Singapore – Waddle & Paddle (Clementi)

Q: How long is the hike?

A: The total distance is estimated to be about 8km. The Clementi Forest stretch is estimated at 3.5km, and another 4.5km along the Ulu Pandan Park Connector. A comfortable leisure pace with regular breaks for photo-taking and rest will take about 2.5hrs. The entire programme, including kayaking, is estimated to take about 5 hours.

Q: How long is the kayaking activity?

A: We have planned for 2hrs of kayaking activity, this includes safety briefing.

Q: What is the minimum age to participate in this programme?

A: The minimum age is 7 years old (based on the year the child was born); therefore, your child should be born before or in the year 2014. Anyone between the age of 7 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian. The minimum age is kept at 7 because of the forested walk into Clementi Forest.

Q: My child and I have no experience with kayaking, can we participate?

A: The kayaking programme is designed for beginners or anyone who has not tried kayaking before. Each participant will be issued with a Personal Floating Device (PFD – a jacket). We will also organise a pre-activity safety brief which covers instructions on how to sit on the Kayak and how to get off from it. We will be paddling on a sit-on-top-Kayak which is designed to be more stable on the water.

Q: What is a sit-on-top kayak?

A: As the name implies, a sit-on-top kayak is a kayak that you sit on top of. There is no cockpit, just a seat mould or attached chair. Easy to use and usually great for beginners. A sit-on-top kayak is about the easiest craft for learning basic kayaking skills. Paddlers with large body types, long legs, or limited flexibility may feel less confined paddling a sit-on-top. They’re very stable, easy to get in and out. The downside (or perhaps the best of it!) to sit-on-top kayaks is that you’re guaranteed to get wet while paddling and your legs get exposed to the sun.

Q: I cannot swim, or I am not a good swimmer, can I participate?

A: The essential skill for kayaking is not about swimming is more about getting familiar with managing the kayak and paddling. At the pre-activity safety briefing, you will get instructions on wearing a Personal Floating Device (PFD), how to go on & off the kayak, handling the paddle. Once you learn how to paddle a kayak, you won’t even have the chance to swim unless you really want to. The sit-on-top kayak has a wide and open cockpit, making the kayak more stable when on the water than a sit-in kayak, and not easily capsized. You never go kayaking without a Personal Floating Device (PFD), especially so when you don’t know how to swim.

Q: What if it rains?

A: Rain or shine, we will always go! We will meet at King Albert Park MRT Exit A as planned. There is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing! Do come prepared for wet weather!

If it rains during the trek – we will take shelter at the tunnel or the park connector to wait out if the rain is too heavy to proceed. 

If it rains during kayaking – we can continue unless there is a lightning risk, if there is a lightning risk, we will abort the kayaking activity.

Q: Can I leave the group halfway through the programme?

A: You may take your leave at any point (for any reasons); please inform our trek leader (s). During the kayaking activity, if you need to abort the activity before we end the programme, you can do so by informing our trek leader (s) or our kayaking instructor (s).  This is to facilitate the boat buddy arrangement. Do note that there will be no refund or discount or any form of a rebate.

Q: Will there be showering facilities at Pandan Reservoir?

A: Yes, there are shower cubicles, but limited; therefore, do expect that there will be a waiting time.

Q: Is wearing a face mask compulsory when walking and/or kayaking?

A: You are required to wear a face mask, except when engaging in strenuous exercises or consuming food, drink, or medication. During the walk, you may remove your mask, however, please make a point to put on your mask when we take longer breaks at pitstops. You may remove your mask when engaging in kayaking activity.

Q: Must I wear a pair of trekking shoes for the walk?

A: Wearing a pair of trekking shoes for this trek is preferred, other comfortable sports shoes are viable too, however, the shoe sole should have a good grip on undulating terrain, including muddy trails.

Q: Can I wear a pair of slippers for the kayaking activity?

A: Slippers are not allowed because there is a higher chance of it coming off from your feet; it can also be difficult to get on and off the kayak should your footwear is loose-fitting. Please wear toe covered fitting shoes (or bootie), or sandals that fit well and will stay on your feet.

Q: Can ladies wear tank tops or sports bra, and can men go shirtless to kayak?

A: We don’t recommend that as there will be sun exposure during the activity. Rashguard top or quick-dry t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt are recommended. For your bottom, we recommend tights (short, ¾ or full length) or Bermudas or convertible pants (no jeans materials).

Q: Will there be a locker to keep my personal items while I go kayaking?

A: There are cabinets available to store your personal items. There are no individual personal lockers.  Please do not bring valuable items for this programme. You can bring your phone/camera with you for the kayak activity, please be sure that you waterproofed it and sling it to your body.

Q: Why must I bring a daypack?

A: The daypack is for you to carry your drinking water, snacks, spare shoes (for kayaking or slipper after kayaking), spare clothes, rain & sun protection gear. It is more comfortable to walk with a backpack than to use a sling bag. Between the start point and end point, there are no convenient stores nearby to buy drinking water.

Q: Are there any parking facilities at the start or end point?

A: We highly recommend that you take public transport to the start point (King Albert Park MRT Station – Exit A). The start point and end point are at two different locations. We will end the programme at Pandan Reservoir, and will not walk back to the start point (King Albert Park MRT station).

You can arrange for your family or friends to pick you at Pandan Reservoir, there is a parking facility at the reservoir; parking charges are applicable.

Address to Pandan Reservoir car park: 11 Penjuru Road, Singapore 609159