Papua New Guinea – CME
Join Water By Nature and Tracy Jackson, MD for a joint whitewater rafting adventure and continuing medical education (CME) event in Papua New Guinea. We believe this to be the FIRST CME event to be held here. Anyone who is interested in learning more about opioid-sparing options for chronic pain in a decidedly non-clinical environment. 8 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM available. Experience ten days of whitewater rafting, kayaking and adventure with interspersed education about how to effectively manage chronic pain without opioids. Tracy will also be teaching daily yoga and meditation as two examples of said management strategies. Being digitally detoxed, in a beautiful remote natural setting, and paddling/hiking for exercise are three other ways!
Worldwide, chronic pain affects 30-40% of the population; despite a devastating opioid epidemic and US costs of $630 billion a year, treatment success has been elusive in a pill and procedure-heavy system. A growing body of research shows a new paradigm of integrative, holistic care of pain and addiction is critical to healing.
Itinerary & Map
You’ll be met by your Trip Leader in Cairns and escorted to your central hotel. Arrival meal together.
Included: Dinner
This morning we depart for a day trip on the Tully River. Paddle this world class technical river.
Included: All meals
The adventure begins. An early transfer for our flight to Port Moresby and onto Lae in Papua New Guinea. We’ll be collected from Lae Nadzab airport and dropped at our centrally located hotel. Afternoon conference.
Included: All meals
This morning, we’ll be transferred to the rafting start point near Bulolo. You’ll get a full safety briefing before we start rafting the Watut River down to our overnight camp.
Included: All meals
Today as we pass villages on the riverbank, the pace of the river and the rapids increases. One of our first rapids is the incredible Four Part Harmony. We arrive to camp mid afternoon with time for a hike up to a nearby village.
Included: All meals
Today we will have incredible rapids all day including Between A Rock And A Hard Place. This is thrilling rafting punctuated by stunning jungle scenery including a hike to a waterfall.
Included: All meals
From our camp, we paddle a short distance into the Watut gorge. Barely a boat width wide, this brings us to what is surely one of the best whitewater sections in the world. Thrill a minute rafting. We emerge from the gorge onto flat water and spend our final night camping on the river.
Included: All meals
After breakfast, we’ll pack up camp and raft a short distance to where we meet our motorised canoes that will take us at speed along the flat water. We’ll drive back to Lae and enjoy dinner together before a night in a bed!
Included: All meals
We’ll transfer to Lae Airport for our flight to Kavieng in New Ireland Province for some serious R and R!
Included: All meals
Today is ours to rest and relax. Go surfing, Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUPing), take a hike or just relax in your hammock on the front of your room and read your favourite book.
Included: All meals
Today after breakfast we’ll take a short boat ride to start the next part of our adventure, sea kayaking. We take short boat ride to our boats and start paddling the calm azure water, island hopping. We’ll stop and snorkel along the way before reaching our camp for the evening.
Included: All meals
After breakfast, we have a relaxed plan to explore the nearby islands. Plenty of amazing snorkelling spots within easy reach with fantastic coral and fish to enjoy. Arrive into camp this evening in time for an ice cold beer and sundowners.
Included: All meals
Our final day sees us arrive back to Nusa Island resort for lunch. This afternoon, you’ll have the last minute opportunity to shop for souvenirs, or just relax at the hotel.
Included: All meals
This morning we leave early for our journey back to Cairns in Australia. Don’t book any outward flights before 16:00 on this day, in case your flight is delayed.
Included: Breakfast
What you should bring
We find most of our clients have in their possession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you’ll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.
Download equipment file- A pair of trainers / Keens or similar sandals that cover your toes and provide grip on wet rocks.
- 2 pairs of river shorts (longer leg length) shorts can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- 2 Swimming costumes or bikinis for ladies.
- A long sleeved lycra or thermal top or t shirt to wear under your personal flotation device. (For sun protection)
- A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off – can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- Sunglasses.
- Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – can be purchased on line.
- 1 Litre Nalgene / Sigg or similar water bottle or Camel-back hydration system.
- Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your raft.
- Waterproof camera such as GoPro for the ‘action’ shots
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF30 minimum.
- 2 pairs of light weight trousers.
- Lightweight tops – long sleeved shirts or t shirts.
- Fleece or wool jumper.
- Shorts.
- Wide brimmed sun hat.
- Sarong for ladies.
- Underwear and socks
- Comfortable shoes.
- Sleep wear.
- 3 season sleeping bag.
- Small travel pillow
- Anti Malarial medication.
- Insect Repellent – essential.
- Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
- Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
- Hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitiser.
- Small pack towel.
- Personal first aid kit.
- Headlamp or head torch with spare batteries.
- Your favourite book/kindle or a journal for recording your river memories.
- Sketchpad.
- Binoculars.
- Photographic or video equipment. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere.
- Spare memory card.
- Solar or portable charger.
- Zip lock bags to keep valuables dry and sand free.
- Rehydration tablets (Phizz, Nuun and O.R.S are easily available)
- The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, personal items, gratuities and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink.
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