General information:
Adventurethon Outback Sprint will provide you with lots of fun and laughter so be prepared. Whether you participate as part of a team or bite the bullet and go it alone we guarantee you will have a blast. You won’t get bored as you traverse different terrains around the fantastic Burdekin River.
Almost any paddle craft: kayak, ski, outrigger, SUP, K1, etc., is suitable for the Outback Sprint provided it has some buoyancy built in (e.g. foam or a sealed unit like a ski) with any rudder type is ok. Plastic skis are recommended for beginners to allow you to bounce off rocks if you stuff up. Flip up rudders recommended for 99% of people to avoid rudder damage.
All races will be in the Big Bend area adjacent to race HQ. The boat drop off and transition area will be by the river, adjacent to race HQ. You can drop boats off during the morning of the event and transition will open at 12:00 midday (just make sure you check in at HQ first and in plenty of time to get set up). As the track in to Race HQ could be problematic for some vehicles we will have a boat trailer near the parking area so you can tie your boats on and have them delivered to the start. No boats will be accepted for the trailer after 12:00 midday on race day.
Course description:
Paddle 7 km; Run 8 km; Ride 15 km
The Outback Sprint paddle has mandatory safety gear that must be worn/carried. Please take note of the list below and make sure you carry it all with you to avoid disqualification; there will be a mandatory gear check. The Sprint starts with a short upstream paddle to a buoy where you turn downstream and head past the start and main spectator area then off downstream towards a few grade 1 rapids and riffles. All fairly easy stuff so don’t get nervous. After the rapids you turn back upstream, past a couple of very short portages, then paddle for home and transition to run while enjoying the spectacle of the Burdekin River.
Run along the edges of the Big bend “island” switching between access tracks, the river’s edge & rocks and finishing with a scramble over the spectacular basalt rocks at echo hole. From there it is a hop, skip and jump to transition 2 to collect your bike.
Ride from transition along fairly wide tracks and ride three laps around the Big Bend island circuit before heading back to the finish line. Tracks are easy grade and mostly flat with small up and down hill sections and wonderful views of the mighty Burdekin River. Note: wearing of an approved cycle helmet is mandatory.
Mandatory equipment
Mandatory equipment is required, must be worn or carried (as appropriate) for each leg of this event. Download the mandatory equipment list HERE. Failure to carry appropriate mandatory equipment will result in disqualification and removal from the course.
No Boat, No Worries:
Joel Savage from Adventurethon, has various single kayaks/skis that are suitable for the event. Racing ski’s, PRS, Paddle Crazy and other styles a good mix of speed on the flats and durability in the rapids. Fitted with Trailing rudders!
You can come down and paddle them as much as you like on Saturday afternoon, the day before the race, to get ready, properly fitted and comfortable.
life jackets and paddles are available on request.
Follow this LINK to see the range and book a boat
Kayak Hire “”Stable and Sturdy” – Hans Preuss (Riversea Kayaking Townsville) has a Fleet of FINN Affinity kayaks which are stable and adjustable to a wide variety of paddlers from short people to taller and heavier paddlers. They are stable from the get go and ideal for on the flats and durability in the rapids for those happier to sacrifice a little bit of speed for comfort…ideal for a first time paddler or someone who hasn’t done a lot.
Fitted with Trailing rudders and include life jacket and paddle to use.
Cost to Hire $50 each, Fitting can be the morning of event
Hans: text 0402 394 268, or email hans1.preuss@gmail.com (limited kayaks in stock)
