Keep Our River Clean

“Keep our River Clean” is scheduled for the 2nd May 2020.

Sticking to our usual format, several launch locations have been set out as outlined below and covers the Eastern corridor. You can do as short or as long as you like however we have limited the time to finish within 2 hours. The locations below are just suggestions so if you’d like to start somewhere else please do. Kayakers and walkers are welcome and very much needed where stand up paddlers can’t access.

If you’d like to hire a board for the clean up you will need to start from Woodbridge Riverside Reserve where the trailer will be. Booking in advance essential for a token $10.00 hire charge. Paddle experience essential.

As with all events we want to have as much fun as possible! So post up your antics from the day (keep it clean, pardon the pun).

Details

Date: 2nd May 2020

9.00 am:  Start from your chosen location or from Woodbridge Riverside Reserve if you’d like to hire a board.

11.00 am: Finish for a social gathering Woodbridge Riverside Reserve for those who don’t have time constraints. Coffee and basic snacks available at Guerilla Hub Cafe!

I’ll have limited bags and gloves available at the trailer on the day if required.

Safety

• Wear something high Vis please
• Wear booties for your feet if tramping through vegetation/ river banks etc
• Buddy up if you are a beginner paddler
• Use gloves when picking up rubbish.
• Be mindful of sharp objects
• Paddle on the Starboard side (land to your right)
• Remain on your knees in the shallows. Don’t over reach and compromise your balance
• Be aware of other watercraft and boat wakes
• Wear sun protection
• Hydrate
• Take phone in water proof bag in the event of an emergency
• The event will be cancelled if not safe due to extreme weather conditions.
• This is a social community event. Your safety is your responsibility so please be mindful.

Here’s what we’d LOVE you to do on the day!

• Choose the location you’d like to start from. Hook up with a buddy or go solo as we are most likely to pass each other along the way
• At 9.00 am on the dot check in to the events page and post “keep our river clean” so people can track our progress via facebook and see who is taking part.
• Post a photo of the rubbish you have collected onto the events page as you go along or after the event.
• Dispose of your rubbish in the council bins provided at your launch location or take with you to dispose of appropriately.
• Meet us at Woodbridge Riverside Reserve for a social gathering after the event.

Tips

• Wear a belt or bum bag to loop your rubbish bag so you can be hands free or invent your own idea and share with us!
• Take your time, some areas may have more rubbish than others so don’t feel you have to rush to cover distance.
• Check the edges of the river bank and beaches which means you may have to step onto land or paddle close to the shore. Rubbish will accumulate here.
• Look for the small things like fish hooks, bottle tops etc. If you find a penny pick it up….
• If you come across fishing line that is too tangled to release, take a photo and note the location so we can report it to the relevant authorities.
• Secure a crate to your paddle board as a rubbish container.

Suggested Launch Locations

The launch locations are suggestions only so feel free to start somewhere else if you prefer. This stretch covers 20 kms from Belmont to Middle Swan. There is no pressure on anyone to cover a long distance. Take note of the comments about some of the locations just in case this affects you.

• Sandy Beach Reserve, Bassendean (End of West Road)
• Adachi Park, Belmont
• Banks Reserve, Mount Lawley – Can be windy. Open section of water
• Maylands Yacht Club (end of Fourth Ave) Rubbish Hot Spot
• Johnson Road, Maylands  – Tranby Tea House located here
• Riverside Gardens, Bayswater (Garratt Road Bridge) – Can be windy.
• Claughton Reserve, Bayswater
• Garvey Park, Ascot – Kiosk. Basic coffee and snacks.
• Point Reserve, Bassendean
• Fish Market Reserve, Guildford
• Barkers Bridge, Guildford
• Woodbridge Riverside Park
• Middle Swan Reserve, Caversham – New launch jetty installed. This area is not suitable for beginners.