Trip Date: 29/06/2022
***We have two launch points for this event***
Please read it in detail…
Meeting Time: Tortuga, Little Armier for Maltese-based paddlers, in the water and paddling by 0530am, please arrive early to prepare.
Meeting Time for Gozo paddlers, be water ready at Hondoq, 0630. We will paddle from Armier and meet you in Hondoq. We will leave after a short break and greetings.
Distance: No more than 12km, for Gozo-based paddlers, around 24km for people leaving Malta.
Plan: We park at little Armier, Tortuga, in the water and paddling at 0530am. We head straight to Hondoq and take a break to say hello and meet up with the other crew. We head to Mgarr Ix-Xini, stopping as we wish or need, investigating little beaches, coves, lagoons, and caves. We break, maybe staggered, depending on the size of the group, and head back towards Hondoq. Maltese-based paddlers will cross the channel and rest and swim at the blue lagoon through the sea cave entrance for Kemmunett, then home. Gozo paddlers are welcome to join, of course, then off to our respected launch points.
Difficulty: Beginner friendly for Gozo paddlers, intermediate to advanced for Maltese paddlers.
Projected winds: Force 3 to 4 from NW.
Projected swells: 0.2M to 0.4M projected NW.
Risks:
1. Many boaters may be present. We must stay together for safety and to stay HIGH VIS whilst crossing channels.
2. Slipways--we have not investigated these slips for risk assessment (always take great caution, they are called slips for a reason).
3. Sun, ferries, boats, jetskis and rogue waves.
4. Gloves are recommended and proper footwear.
6. Jellyfish: Bring a small jelly kit with bicarbonate of soda and an old credit card in your first aid kits if you plan to swim.
Safety tips:
Stay close together. We shouldn't be too far from each other. If you are too far to receive help, how can we help?
Keep whistles handy and wear high vis PFDs and clothes
Take extreme caution on slips and rocks. Use proper footwear
Again, stay well grouped up, within whistle shot of your neighbor
Drink plenty of water, wear sunblock, and proper clothes. Be smart, plan ahead.
Things to bring:
Your own kayak, rentals are not available for this event.
Paddle and spare
PFD (required)
Bilge Pump or other way to evacuate water
Spray decks (or skirts)
Paddle leashes should be used (just use a cheap rope if you need to)
Whistles
Plenty of water, we freeze a 2.5 liter the night before.
Sunblock (spf 50+)
Sun protection, including hats, proper spf clothes
Plenty of sugary and salty food and snacks
Dry bags
Recording equipment and ways to protect it.
***Disclaimer of Events***
GOAK Malta is a ‘closed’ group and attending events/activities is voluntary by you as a member. Participation in any event within this group is at your own risk. By joining the events as a member, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless “Get Out and Kayak Malta”, its organizers, assistants, and any given member within the event/activity of GOAK Malta, from all claims or liability of every type (including court costs and legal fees) for injury or death to any person or for damage to property, loss of personal property or any other wrongful act arising out of or relating to your participation as a member. This agreement applies to you and any other person (as your guest) who may accompany you in these endeavors. By participating voluntarily in GOAK Malta, you understand that you are responsible for your own safety. Also, we record with several cameras and drones. By coming with us, you accept this and expect to be recorded and published on our socials and YouTube. If this doesn't sound like your cuppa tea, the sea is quite large ;-)
You can sign a waiver form athttps://www.getoutandkayakmalta.com/news-updates