Regular coaching and training sessions are held for members of all abilities. Please get in contact for details.
Handicapped time trials are held approximately monthly on the Woronora River. Start lists and results are published on our Webscorer Profile. The course map and description is below. Registration is handled via email (timing [at] shirekayaking.info).
The 5km Time Trial course start/finish line is between the green channel marker and the eastern shore downstream of the Burnum Burnum Boat Ramp and before the end of the spit.
The 10km Time Trial course is largely the same as the 5km Time Trial course, except it initially continues downstream past the island.
Close view of downstream turn:
The 2 km TT course start/finish line is between the green channel marking and the eastern shore downstream of the Burnum Burnum Boat Ramp and before the end of the spit.
“The Slot” separates the spit extending north from the Burnum Burnum Boat Ramp from the mangrove island.
Whilst the northern and western shores of the spit (southern side of the slot) are sandy beaches, there are a number of rocks partially submerged (tidal) along the shore. There are a number of shallow rocks that extend off the north-western tip into the slow. The red circle on the map below shows the approximate location.
Paddlers are advised to give this corner a wide berth, staying in the middle or northern side of the slot and making wide turns to/from upstream.
The tall, large road bridge crossing the Woronora River (“Woronora Bridge”, River Rd) has a number of large pylons and crosses the river at a wide point. The western half of the river is very shallow, especially at low tide with sand banks exposed. Yellow oval in below image is approximate location. Along the eastern shore there are some shallow rocks, approximate locations in red circles.
Best passage is through the span east of the middle pylon.
The small, low bridge (Menai Rd) has shallow rocks and submerged objects in both the edge spans (red circles). Note the rocks on both sides extend south (upstream) of the bridge some 10-20m. The two middle spans should be used, keeping towards the middle of the river when approaching and departing the bridge. Note that there are ~1m of rocks on the west side of the middle-west span. Fishing lines are sometimes handing from the bridge.
The pedestrian bridge crossing the Woronora River at Prince Edward Park has a shallow sand bank extending from the southern shoreline. Loftus Creek is muddy and shallow with a muddy/sandy bank extending from its mouth into the river. The northern bank is rocky around the bridge, but does not extend far and drops off pretty steeply. A couple of metres clearance should be sufficient. Watch for fishing lines.
Motor boats are common on the Woronora River. Due to the speed limits, low bridges, shallow waters and restrictions on water skiing, the vessels are generally not overly large. The speed limits are not always adhered to, and some skippers don’t always pay much attention or know the maritime rules. It is advised to take clear evasive action when a boat is spotted approaching, moving to a side of the channel (generally turn starboard but use judgement) and clearly hold a line where safe. Some boats will slow when approaching, which can increase the wash they trail.
Upstream of the pedestrian bridge is a public pontoon serving the houses in the upstream stretch which are only accessible via the river. Tinnies are almost constantly traversing this stretch as the only practicable means of transport from house to road/shop/etc. General principles of turning towards starboard, keeping out of the middle of the channel and holding a clear line where safe should be followed.
