Paddling Programs
Learning to paddle and then undertaking a kayak-based journey is an excellent Outdoor Learning experience. It is suitable for a variety of groups ranging from novice to more challenging multi-day expeditions on rivers and inlets.
Dave is a Paddle Australia Enclosed Sea Kayak Guide and Flatwater Instructor. He has lead paddling sessions and extended kayaking expeditions on a range of rivers and inlets around WA for 30 years. Dave has had long term involvement with several WA Canoe Clubs and the Avon Descent whitewater race. GOGI has arrangements in place to access paddling craft - sit-on kayaks, sit-in kayaks and single or double sea kayaks.
Within the Perth Region, there are many options on the Swan and Canning Rivers, on and around the Peel Inlet and Murray River, and in sheltered waters such as Shoalwater Bay and Penguin Island.
For Base Camp and Expedition programs on the South Coast, Dave has extensive experience with the Nornalup and Broke Inlets. Together with the Frankland, Deep and Shannon Rivers these offer a wide range of contexts and levels of challenge. It is a stunning part of the world, with options to combine paddling with bushwalking and wilderness camping. Programs can be based in Parks and Wildlife campsites, local caravan parks or DPAW approved wilderness sites. The more adventurous can tackle the Broke Inlet, which offers wilderness camping and paddling well away from the outside world!
Open water such as inlets and wider rivers are subject to wind and waves, so it's important with paddling programs to have alternative for days where conditions exceed the safe limits for your group. We build into our planning backup options when various weather thresholds are exceeded, or modification is required for other reasons.
Bushwalking Programs
Hiking programs offer a slow-paced way to immerse groups in nature over an extended period. There are a range of skills involved in learning to live out of a backpack, keeping it light enough to make for a suitable challenge level and building a range of walking, navigation, camping and cooking skills.
GOGI specialises in multi-day hiking programs for novice and intermediate level participants. We can teach hiking skills from scratch, focussing on manageable pack weights and developing self-sufficiency. Participants learn to manage their equipment, pace themselves, set up a campsite, cook nutritious meals and look after their health and hygiene on the trail. As with all GOGI programs, there is an emphasis on action-reflection cycles and immersion in nature.
Within the Perth Region, there are a range of hiking itineraries along the Bibbulmun Track. Group facilities near Mt Cooke offer a larger capacity campsite, and distances can be tailored to the ability of your group.
Hikes along the South Coast section of the Bibbulmun Track offer a stunning mix of forest, beaches and granite peaks. Dave has guided many groups on sections of track between Albany and Walpole, providing support vehicle assistance as needed. He has also run walking programs in the Walpole Wilderness that focus on exploring a particular wilderness area, with a greater emphasis on navigation and wild camping.
