Who is invited?
Anyone who enjoys the outdoors and is physically active will enjoy this trip. This trip is not a race. Our progress while paddling will be dependent on the slowest paddler. Being able to work as a team is essential.
You need to be a “happy camper” – Camping facilities and ablutions are sometimes very basic and when we sleep on the islands (of which there are three) ablutions are non-existent.
Are you fit enough?
The total distance that we will be paddling is approximately 175 kms in eleven days. We therefore need to average approximately 16kms each day. This might not appear to be much; however, we might encounter headwinds which make the paddling more challenging. Most of the paddling is within the reef. We need to allow for adverse weather and/or a rest day. Therefore, there may be a day or two when we must be able to achieve at least 25 kms. There will be numerous opportunities to rest and/or do some snorkeling during each day’s paddle. Paddling time each day averages approximately 4 hours.
With this information, it is clear that one does not have to be super fit to enjoy this adventure. However, as with all endurance sports, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it. Having done this trip seven times with clients of varying abilities, I will assist beginners to ensure that they are suitably prepared for this paddling adventure.
Do you have to have offshore paddling experience?
Offshore paddling experience is an advantage; however, it is not a requirement. Of the 175kms, approximately 50kms will be paddled outside of the reef. Paddling beyond the reef will only take place if the conditions are ideal and only the experienced paddlers will do this. The less experienced paddlers will have a rest day. I do suggest that everyone bring sea- sickness tablets as a safety precaution. Valoid tablets work well.
What kayaks will you be paddling?
I have eleven plastic polyurethane, roto-moulded sit-on-top sea kayaks. They are doubles (two people per kayak). Each kayak weighs 35kgs when empty. They have proven to be ideal for conditions in Mauritius. They are robust, stable, comfortable and their storage capacity is sufficient. They have suitable “pockets” for attaching a fishing rod if you wish to tow a line while paddling.
NB: You do not have to have a paddling partner to be accepted on this trip. Paddling partners will be finalised before we begin paddling.
Medication
Mauritius is not a high risk Malaria area. However, everyone must bring mosquito repellent. Tabard works well. Each person must bring his/her own medication requirements in a watertight container. An empty plastic jar with a screw-on lid is sufficient to store tablets etc. Mercurochrome , antiseptic cream and vaseline for chaff are necessary. Sun protection is essential enough for twelve days in the sun.
Expected Weather
Daytime average temperature :28 degrees
Nighttime average temperature :25 degrees
Sea water average temperature: 25 degrees
Do you need special equipment /clothing?
Paddling – You will need the following: paddle (one only); your own life-jacket. (I do have some if you wish to borrow one). Dry bags will be provided.
What to wear while paddling: hat and sunglasses (both with straps/string attached around neck), t-shirt, long- sleeved and / or short- sleeved rash vest, costume and shorts. Footwear is essential (old takkies or aqua/trail shoes are suitable), as well as two drinking bottles 1x 1lt and 1x 2lt.
Camping
Sarong (NB: There will be no space for a sleeping bag), roll up mattress, torch (headlamp is recommended), one toilet roll in plastic zip-lock bag, toiletries, small towel, plastic cup, bowl, knife, fork and spoon, tracksuit pants, long – sleeved t-shirt, two pairs of shorts, two t-shirts, underwear. Camera/video is advised; however, you will need to provide its own dry bag.
NB: opportunities to re-charge batteries are limited. There will be safe storage facilities for all items that you will not need while paddling.
Insurance
This is optional. To take out medical and/or baggage insurance, speak to your local travel agent for details.
Finance
Currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee. Expect the exchange rate in March/April to be about Rs2.3 = R1.00.
Food
All food is provided. Example – muesli/cereal, milk, tea, coffee, fruit, biscuits, chocolates, sweets, bread, 2 min noodles, biltong, nuts and raisins, etc. We replenish our food stocks from supermarkets en-route. Special dietary needs can be arranged.
Accommodation
3 man tents are provided.
Money
Purchasing of gifts and paying for the “tourist type activities” (eg; paragliding, scuba diving, water-skiing, under-sea walk, etc) will be for your own account. You would need to exchange your SA Rands before departing from South Africa. You can expect each of the above mentioned activities to cost between R800.00 and R1 200.00 each. There will be opportunities to shop.