Paddle Out for Whales 2022
Torquay Jetty & Ernie Organ Park, Torquay | Registration from 8:00am | Paddle Out 9:30am – 10:00am
Bring your SUP, kayak or paddle board along to celebrate and encourage whale conservation in Hervey Bay, the whale watch capital of the world.
Paddle out into the ocean for a minute silence to recognise the importance of the ocean and whales to the world, and particularly the Fraser Coast. Leandra Gurbiel will be sharing the sacred Aloha Mai E chant during the event to honour the whales and their significance to the region.
Paddle Out for Whale T-shirts will be available for pre-order via the registration link. Registrations from July 1st.
Blessing of the Fleet | July, 2022
Hervey Bay’s traditional Blessing of the Fleet at the Great Sandy Straits Marina, to herald the start of the 2022 whale watching season, unfortunately will not be held this year because access to the marina complex for this event has not been agreed by the leaseholder.
The Blessing is a centuries-old tradition believed to have originated in Mediterranean fishing communities to ensure a safe and prosperous season for all vessels. To keep the tradition alive in Hervey Bay, it is planned to add a blessing ceremony to the annual Paddle Out for Whales event on Sunday 31 July 2022.
Because of the tight harbour docking area at other marina complexes, and the shallowness of the Bay close to the shoreline, the Great Sandy Straits Marina is the only possible venue for a blessing event providing close access to the boats. We hope a harbour blessing can be staged in the future and FCTE will continue to advocate for this with all parties.