Trying to hunt down some info,
I am really keen to give some down river or white water paddling a crack.
I live brissy anyone in Sth east Qld or Northern NSW know of spots?
I've found a spot on the start of the Mary river in sunny coast hinterland north west of Maleny that looks good for a 14km down river leg via some kayak guys though river is only abled to be paddled after heavy rain fall really limiting the chance to a couple times a year.
North Queensland lads are killing it up cairns way with all the options they have, I know the likes of DJ and PT get out in VIC anyone in northern NSW giving this sort of paddling a go?
What sort of board are you looking to use? River rocks make a mess of carbon fibre, which also impacts paddle blades. Fins also become expendables if you aren't careful. And get yourself a helmet and maybe knee and shin pads if you bruise easily. But it's all good fun.
Haha Big brother I could see myself living at mission beach and treking all the rivers up there.
PT, inflatable for sure wouldn't dare use a hard board.
I personally think something 10ft or under is the go purely on footage on the net from over in the US with all the white water racers that are popping up over there.
Definately would throw a helmet on and look at shin guards and shoes.
PT what sort of water depth is the areas that you guys do it in??
Select to expand quoteThis spot has been on my radar for a while.
Nymboida River
<div class="entry">Location: Six Hours North of Sydney, AustraliaRafting trips on the Nymboida River commence in Nymboi-Binderay National Park west of Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, Australia. This is about six hours North of Sydney, Australia.
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Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV / Beginner – IntermediateThe Nymboida River is typically a Class III-IV river, but can turn into a Class V whitewater run after a lot of rain, when the river is flowing higher. Trips range from one to four days in length, and are a good option for people looking for either a short day of adventurous boating or a few days of wilderness camping and exciting rapids. First-timers should be fit and up for a high-paced introduction! The Canyon: Deep Rainforest GorgesThe Nymboida River cuts deep gorges through Nymboi-Binderay National Park. On its way to its confluence with the Mann River, the Nymboida flows past walls of sloping granite, through jungle-like rainforests, and through true Australian bush country. There are a total of 25 rapids over the first 9 kilometers, which is the stretch that is run on one-day trips. On longer trips, boaters take breaks in between stretches of Class IV whitewater to enjoy deep pools perfect for swimming, and walk to the base of some of the canyon’s many waterfalls. Wildlife sightings often include a platypus, fresh water turtles, goannas, and exotic bird species like the Glossy Black Cockatoo. Season: December – May (sometimes longer)This river enjoys a longer season than some others in Australia, running from December all the way through May and sometimes into June, July, or August depending on winter precipitation and water levels.
Awesome TT. Is this the same "mighty Nymboida River" that they tame in the legendary "endless summer 2" when they visit Australia and Nat young try's to basically kill them 
Sounds like a trip worth doing over a long weekend camping etc.
Surely some have SUP this river???
I'll do some digging
Select to expand quoteAndyR said..
Awesome TT. Is this the same "mighty Nymboida River" that they tame in the legendary "endless summer 2" when they visit Australia and Nat young try's to basically kill them
Sounds like a trip worth doing over a long weekend camping etc.
Surely some have SUP this river???
I'll do some digging
Looks like a 3 hr drive from goldcoast? On my bucket list is a paddle down the Mighty franklin river in Tassie , I have it all worked out my entry point and exit from Franklin into the Gordon into Maquarie harbour at Strahan. Any sup companies want to sponsor my expedition.
Grade III on a SUP? Make sure you get some video!
Just for a laugh, here's a bit of grade III during an overnight trip down the Mohaka on a homemade raft we did earlier this year.
accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?passive=true&service=youtube&uilel=3&hl=en&continue=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fsignin%3Faction_handle_signin%3Dtrue%26app%3Ddesktop%26next%3D%252Fedit%253Fo%253DU%2526video_id%253DuMp7u4c_cTc%26hl%3Den%26feature%3Dredirect_login (a bit slow to start, but bear with it)
I kinda had aspirations to SUP the Mohaka one day. Not anymore.
Have a good one.
Cheers HB
Yeah I was going to say Class V rapids on a SUP - that's basically a suicide note right there.
Select to expand quoteAndyR said..
Haha Big brother I could see myself living at mission beach and treking all the rivers up there.
PT, inflatable for sure wouldn't dare use a hard board.
I personally think something 10ft or under is the go purely on footage on the net from over in the US with all the white water racers that are popping up over there.
Definately would throw a helmet on and look at shin guards and shoes.
PT what sort of water depth is the areas that you guys do it in??
The Payette River Games (now defunct) was up to 11' but that was more about slalom than navigating genuine rapids. I think you're right about 10' or less. We are 9'6" and that feels good for control and spinning on a dime.
Water shoes or at least wetsuit booties with thick-ish soles are good for river beds with sharp rocks.
Water depth is a piece of string question - we refer to a canoe club website that has electronic measuring of rivers all around VIC, and the spot on the Yarra that we frequent needs to be above 65cm at the measuring point to be worthwhile. It sits around 50cm through the dry season and it is not passable in some sections at that height. But even at 65cm, that can be overhead in some places or it can be less than 20cm at other places. That's why we bust fins a little too often. Sometimes we go without any fins at all.
