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Tasmania
is rich in Aboriginal, Whaler, Convict and Settlement history. Port
Arthur was the site of Australia's most famous English penal colony
and is situated on the rugged Tasman Peninsula. Governor Arthur
chose Port Arthur because it was a 'natural penitentiary', almost
completely cut-off from the rest of Tasmania by a 100 metre wide
isthmus called Eaglehawk Neck. Many of the oldest Georgian buildings
in Australia are in Tasmania.
More
info on sea kayaking
in Tasmania?
Good
info and maps from the Matsuyker
Canoe Club in Tasmania. They are an advanced paddling club,
comparable to the Tsunami
Rangers from the United States. Links
to other sea kayaking websites.
Do
I need paddling experience?
No
prior experience is needed but you should be in good health and
moderately fit. Our guide's primary role is to keep you safe and
comfortable, both on and off the water. We only operate under safe
conditions and will arrange alternate activities, such as bushwalking,
if the weather is adverse. If you have any doubts, please contact
us.
How
do I know which company to choose?
Please
read this excerpt from Northern
Lights Expeditions, a sea kayaking operator in British Columbia,
Canada in their 19th season. How to
choose a sea kayaking operator.
What
qualifications do your guides have?
Our
guides are the most important resource at Blackaby's Sea Kayaks
and Tours, bar none! We can assure you first hand that your guides
will be among the best found in the area. In addition to being qualified
and experienced outdoor leaders, our guides have taken numerous
outdoor courses and certificates such as: The TAFE moderate sea
kayaking certificate, Leader's wilderness first aid and CPR. They
are all experienced sea kayaking guides and have worked in New Zealand,
Fiji, United States, Mexico and Canada. Additionally they are experts
at interpreting cultural and natural history, as well as fun to
spend a day or more paddling with!
How
much paddling do we do in a day?
On
average, about 3 to 5 hours a day but it really depends on the weather
and the activities en route. Many of our trips have a strong focus
on land based exploration and interpretation so long days on the
water are the exception.
Do
we paddle single or double kayaks?
For the safety of the group and as company policy, we generally
do not allow guests to paddle in single kayaks.
What
size are the groups?
Maximum group size for sea kayaking trips is 12 participants accompanied
by 2 guides. A ratio of 6 guests to 1 guide.
Do
you ever sail your kayaks?
Yes,
we do have a couple of sails and Tasmania is a great place for kayak
sailing. When the winds are favourable, we can raft up and let the
wind give us a break from paddling as the scenery rolls on by!
What
about bad weather?
Tasmania
is an island of extremes. Wait five minutes and it will change,
is an old saying here! Some days it is absolutely perfect and others
we may have strong winds that may be adverse for paddling. We promote
safety first on our tours. Our experienced guides are here for your
safety and may have to alter routes and itineraries for the safety
of the group. If the conditions are adverse for safe paddling as
a group, we may change the routing of the tours to a safer location
and/or explore some of Tasmania's wonders by foot.
Can
you arrange private & custom trips?
Yes.
Nothing can be better than a group of old friends or family getting
together for a wilderness trip, far away from the distractions of
the fast track world. IT'S QUALITY TIME! Please contact our office
well in advance of your planned departure date to ensure trip availability.
PLAN AHEAD, IT'S WORTH IT. A 10% discount is available for group
bookings of 6 or more, or if you book 9, the 10th can go for free!
On our scheduled departures only. Custom itineraries are also available
to our various destinations, but must be planned 2 to 3 months in
advance.
Do
most people come with a partner or friend?
The average group of ten consists of two couples, a couple of friends
and four singles with an even ratio of male to female. We do charge
a single supplement for single accommodation (limited availability).
Can
we bring our children?
Although
most of our trips have adults in mind, many of our itineraries are
suitable for strong and active teenagers. We have a minimum age
on tours of 12. If you would like your children to join you on one
of Blackaby's Sea Kayaking tours please contact
us.
Cuisine?
We
pride ourselves in the gourmet cuisine on our tours. First, we always
try to use local Tasmanian items; including cheeses, breads, salmon,
teas and wines. Note: There is a vegetarian option for all meals
on day and multi-day tours. Please let us know at least a week in
advance if you have specific dietary requirements, i.e. vegan, wheat
intolerance, food allergies, etc.
Do
you provide transport and where do we meet for the tours?
We provide transport for multi-day tours, which commence in
Hobart, Tasmania. You are responsible for transport on day tours.
We will have a meeting point for the tour. Meeting points for Hobart
tours are generally at Short Beach in Sandy Bay, Port Arthur tours
at Stewart's Bay and Lime Bay/Fortescue Bay at the Convict Bakery
in Taranna (ten kilometres north of Port Arthur). Please check tour
info sheets for more details for each individual tour. If you
need transport to and from a day trip or from Hobart International
Airport a nominal fee will be charged. We must be notified at least
7 days in advance for day trips and 21 days in advance for airport
pick-ups.
What
do I need to bring?
Almost nothing other than your own clothes and personal items.
Sandals, old runners or booties are good for your feet, as they
will get wet! All camping and kayaking equipment is provided by
Blackaby's Sea Kayaks and Tours. Your pre-trip information includes
a personal equipment checklist (download
.pdf checklist).
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