FAQ

Our journeys operate on the Clarence & Nymboida river system, and these are both free-flowing, wild rivers that are greatly influenced by recent rainfall; it means that we need to be fluid with our journey locations in response to emerging weather conditions. 

We will often meet at either:
Clarence River Wilderness Lodge or Nymboida Camping & Canoe Centre

We will provide accurate meeting point information within a fortnight of our journey commencing. 

At all locations we will provide a safe place for you to park your car and a shuttle back to this point at the end of the journey.

Our guides are trained and familiar with all sections of the river system, and we reconnaissance them again after any significant flood event, to ensure they are still safe and accessible.

We thoroughly enjoy adapting to the recent conditions and embrace the seasonal variations that this natural environment provides.

We believe your attitude is valuable, so with a good one of those, it is amazing what your body is capable of. To get the most out of the adventure though, It is preferred that you have a moderate level of upper body/core strength and that you are comfortably able to sit for 4-6hours of day paddling, as well as prepared for the possibility of falling out of your canoe and floating down a rapid. It is helpful if you are able to walk on uneven, slippery surfaces at times, sometimes dragging or pushing a canoe with other team members, if a portage (walking around a rapid) is required.

The Wilderness is a beautiful platform for developing new skills, friendships and exploring new places, both in the world and our relationships with others. During our holistic adventures we encourage participants to accompany the physical aspects of self powered travel by welcoming a multi-faceted transformational journey. After all, away from technology, and immersed in reality, it is a great place for some reflection and introspection. We are excited that you could JOIN US on such a unique opportunity!

If your canoe experience is limited, don’t stress: no paddling experience is required and beginners are welcome! We will teach everyone the skills, features and safety tips needed to give whitewater canoeing a go. An open-minded, positive outlook and sense of adventure, will be all you need to bring. This section of river is perfect for developing canoeing skills, as there are easier grade 1 and 2 rapids for the first few days, allowing time for solid skill development, and little consequence for mistakes. As the journey continues and your skills improve we will approach  some more challenging grade 3 elements to paddle and grade 4 rapids to portage (walk around). A great progression in physical challenge will be equally matched by a journey deeper into our understanding of ourselves and the way we can effectively communicate with others. 

The Wilderness is a beautiful platform for developing new skills, friendships and exploring new places, both in the world and our relationships with others. During our holistic adventures we encourage participants to accompany the physical aspects of self powered travel by welcoming an emotional, spiritual and transformational journey. After all, away from technology, and immersed in reality, it is a great place for some reflection and introspection. Come and JOIN US on a unique opportunity!

How much stuff can I bring?

You will be packing your belongings, including the tent and sleeping mat we provide you with, into a 60 Litre barrel. Each canoe will carry 3 of these, 2 personal and 1 filled with group gear/food.

Packing lightly is helpful and coming up with creative ways for things to have multiple uses (eg. a warm jumper that can also be your pillow) will help you fit more in. Generally one of the benefits of canoeing is you can carry a bit more than on a hiking trip, particularly food-wise, there is more space for fresh veggies and tinned goods.

Watch this video for: Easy Tips for White Water River Safety - Capsizing, safety swimming, trees, and rocks.

How to sit in a canoe
What to do when you capsize
How to safely swim a rapid
Retrieving and rolling a canoe
Obstacles on the river - rocks and trees

Watch this video for: Easy Tips for White Water River Safety - Capsizing, safety swimming, trees, and rocks.

How to sit in a canoe
What to do when you capsize
How to safely swim a rapid
Retrieving and rolling a canoe
Obstacles on the river - rocks and trees

Our top tips for feeling confident that your body is up for our adventures

1. Try Movnat – our journeys are in a wilderness setting far from footpaths and paved roads, where you and your body will need to navigate rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. Practicing movements that develop your balance and ability to negotiate uneven surfaces will set you up for less slips. Movnat are the natural movements specialists and send out free sample sessions weekly if you sign up to their newsletter. A great way to improve your overall mobility and trust in your body.

2. Go for a paddle every now and then – maybe your uncle has a canoe in his backyard that’s half full of water, or your daughter has a sit on top that you used to take camping. Whether it’s a SUP, sea kayak or row boat, dust it off, and try to fit in a halfy or hour paddle once a fortnight to get your body used to the movements. Increasing this to two to three times a week if you can fit it in, will have you raring to go. A lot of canoe clubs or city councils offer free come and try sessions, so keep and eye out for these

3. Go Swimming or surfing - Any exercise that improves your arm and core strength and endurance, is helpful to prepare for our journeys. We’ll support you regardless, but coming with a base level of endurance will make your experience more enjoyable.

We believe that with an open mind, a sense of adventure and a willingness to update us with how you are feeling and how best to support you, we can make our river journeys accessible for everyone, regardless of your fitness level or ability.