Winter Solstice Paddle

Name: Winter Solstice Paddle
Start: 2026-06-20T17:30:00+09:30
Location: Dotterel Driver West Lakes

Schedule

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026 at 05:30 pm

UTC+09:30

Location

Dotterel Driver West Lakes | Adelaide, SA

EVENT: Winter Solstice Paddle
DATE: Saturday 20th June 2026
MEET TIME: 5:30pm to be on water shortly afterwards
DURATION: 6Km approximately 1Hr.
LOCATION: Dotterel Drive, West Lakes
ACC GRADING FOR THIS EVENT: Entry Level but depending on conditions on the day.
Check the trip grading description for more details.
ORGANISER AND CONTACT: Phillip Doddridge 0487663102
If you have any questions about the trip get in touch with Phil. Trips are for ACC members only and you must register via JustGo online prior to the closing date.
REGISTRATION LINK: https://paddleaustralia.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=AA54B672F2AB2C5EC9069000D1D0862D5B176C12
CLOSING DATE/TIME TO REGISTER : Friday 19th June 5pm.
DESCRIPTION:
Winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere in 2026 is on Sunday 21st June. The winter solstice is the day with the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year, when the Sun is at its lowest daily maximum elevation in the sky.
The winter solstice was immensely important to people in the past dependent on monitoring the progress of the seasons…It was seen as the reversal of the Sun's ebbing presence in the sky,… the "year as reborn" was celebrated with reference to life-death-rebirth deities or "new beginnings”!
Join in the annual celebratory paddle around Delphin Island, West Lakes. Begin the new solar year with plans to do more paddling!
This is a night paddle so a little more preparation needed:
an all round white light attached to kayak or paddler. Best option is a Kayalu WaterTorch® LE 360° Kayak Light(Google it), several members have made their own copies. Another great option is a Luci Outdoor Lantern 2.0 (Google it) attached to the rear deck. A couple of Cylume sticks or head torch are other options. It is important that the light you use is diffuse and not too strong as it will overpower everyone’s night vision.
Warm paddling attire! A good paddling jacket/spray jacket and spray deck are essential.
All the other usual paddling kit.
If you have coloured solar lights suitable for mounting around your kayak deck, then bring them along and we will light up the night.
Most probably go for a drink or dinner at The Bartley on conclusion of paddle.
There are toilets available at the launching point.
Please give me a call to discuss the event/equipment if you are unsure of your preparedness.