Paddle adventures with Adventurethon
There are many people who just love to Paddle for exercise or competition. Most people start on flat water (rivers or lakes) before discovering the fun of ocean paddling and downwind wave-riding fun and become hooked.
Paddling is a growing sport in Australia and worldwide as people are enjoying the benefits of nature, escaping the city/concrete society and freeing their mind one step at a time. This has become easier for most people with the arrival of relatively cheap plastic craft that provide models for almost all types of paddling. There are various styles of waterways you can encounter based on the natural lay of the land and region it is set in and topography available. Paddling is mostly on rivers (flat water and whitewater), lakes and in coastal waters close to most major population areas these days.
Adventurethon (hey that’s us) deliver paddle races as part of our Multisport Stage races. Our Stage races allow participants to engage in just one event stage, i.e. you can participate in the paddle stage, without needing to participate in any other stages of the event. Each of the events listed below has a Long (Ultra) course, Medium (Enduro) and Short (Taste/Junior) mountain bike Course.
We have distances and courses to suit all fitness and experience levels. Each of the events listed below has a Long (Ultra) course, Medium (Enduro) and Short (Taste/Junior) run course. Long courses vary between 15 – 20 km depending on environment, medium 10 – 16 km, and Short 2 km.
We aim to provide you with the best possible paddle courses in each of our scenic event locations.
Find out more about the environment and locations of our paddle courses for 2020. We probably have an event near you, or you could plan a trip to include a paddle race in one of the spectacular locations we visit:
East Gippsland, VIC
You won’t believe you are almost in the centre of Bairnsdale as you ply the Mitchell River in this event. Quiet and serene are good descriptors of these paddle courses (except for the splashing of paddles at the start) that wind around bends to reveal ever more natural bank and bankside features. We really like these paddle course which are suitable for all types of craft and experience level.
Find out more about the East Gippsland courses here.
Murray Bridge, SA
The iconic Murray River and its historic road bridge. A must do for most paddle enthusiasts and an easy one to achieve for novices as well. Based around the town of Murray Bridge these courses will take you past paddle wheelers and luxury houseboats as you drink in the sights that make this a tourist hub. Despite this tourism status the river provides an enjoyable low pressure paddle.
Find out more about the Murray Bridge courses here
Dwellingup, WA
Located just one hour from Perth in the Peel Region of WA, Dwellingup is a popular training and racing area. Our paddling courses explore the Murray River on its journey towards the sea. Unique vegetation and quiet reaches allow you to immerse yourself in a truly uplifting experience even when racing. One for the bucket list for sure.
Find out more about the Dwellingup courses here
Kalbarri, WA
Awesome Kalbarri lets you paddle amongst the spectacularly colourful West Australian coastal scenery. A real outback adventure in the Murchison River. This unique Ultra course starts inland on private property and takes you on a journey to the sea. All courses expose you to some of the best paddling scenery you will see anywhere.
Find out more about the Kalbarri courses here
Townsville, QLD
Ross River Dam – Phil Copp Photography
For many this will be the first opportunity to discover the wonders surrounding Ross Dam, an area that has been off limits to paddlers. We have been privileged enough to be granted permission to hold our event on the Dam and open it up for you to visit. The more adventurous have the longer distance available to challenge themselves, and most reasonably competent paddlers will be capable of completing a 10 km flat paddle. Whatever distance you choose we guarantee you will have a blast. You won’t get bored as you pass different terrains around the course and marvel at the views you haven’t been able to appreciate before. Don’t forget to carry your camera!
Find out more about the Townsville courses here
Charters Towers, QLD
An outback Adventure paddle along a dryland river makes a real change for those from greener climes. Not long courses but you won’t regret travelling to this outback gem to enjoy them. The longer course has some small rocky rapids so is best suited to sturdier plastic craft rather than your carbon racing ski.
Find out more about the Charters Towers courses here
Clarence Valley, NSW
In the Clarence Valley we send our paddlers out on a wonderful point-to-point course Down the fantastic Clarence River. Courses here include small gravel races/rapids that provide enormous fun without getting into technically difficult water. Great bankside scenery and deep clear pools glide by as you make your way downriver; a truly sweet paddle.
Find out more about the Clarence Valley courses HERE