"Kitchen Bin" wrote in message
om...
Sorry if this seems rather naive but I am just about to buy my first
Kayak (inflatable SVX200) and can't quite believe that I can just take
it to any river, beach or harbour and just jump straight in?

I live by Sydney Harbour and am wondering whether I can launch from
any point of the harbour and go anywhere in the harbour, or are there
rules that stop me from doing this? Do I need a licence?

Apologies again but I hope someone can answer me please.

Thanks, Hunter

Generally you can access and paddle any water with public access, including
Sydney Harbour. Launching and landing can only be done from your own
property or public access, some areas in the Harbour are sensibly off
limits - the Navel Bases, some wharf facilities.

I'm not 100% sure about NSW waters, but in QLD if you enter certain defined
areas you also need to carry appropriate safety equipment - flares, life
jackets, V sheet, even a marine radio for open Ocean waters.

Check marine charts for other requirements.

Sensibly you should at least get some basic training on how to paddle, deep
water re entry, etc. The NSW Sea Kayakers club will be a good start.

Have a good paddle.