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Paddlesports
Sprint or flat water racing events are contested in two types of craft – a Canadian canoe (single C1, double C2) and a Kayak (single K1, double K2, four K4). Sprint racing takes place over 200 metres, 500 metres and 1000 metres. Sprint racing is an Olympic sport that requires superb balance, strength and deep aerobic conditioning. The canoes and kayaks are sleek, fast but unstable for the novice. Want to try sprint racing? Go to the Sprint page
Freestyle kayaking is one of the newest and most exciting sports. Similar to Freestyle Skiing, athletes perform tricks utilising the water to help manoeuvre them about. Exciting aerial moves, twists and turns can be used to impress the judges in a 45 second ride in competition or used to advantage on white water, especially good for getting out of sticky holes! Check out Penrith Whitewater Stadium.
Slalom, the exciting Olympic whitewater sport, requires the paddler to negotiate
a series of 'gates' on fast-
Canoe polo is a fast and exciting team sport. Often described as water polo in kayaks. Usually played in a swimming pool where the ball can be thrown by hand or flicked with the paddle. In higher grades you can also push an opponent holding the ball. Canoe Polo is a fun way to learn basic kayak skills (rolling, turning, bracing) and is suitable for all standards.
See the Canoe Polo page for the next competition dates.
Marathon paddling will appeal to people who like to keep fit. Its low impact and
great for a total body workout. Marathon racing can be over any distance that has
turns from about 5k upwards. It’s also a great way to see NSW in peaceful water surrounds.
Marathon series events are held all over the state, so participating can take paddlers
to new towns or unexplored corners of well-
Sea Kayaking: What better way to get around the vast waterways of NSW but under your own steam and with only the noise from gulls and the splash of your paddle? With this sleek & fast kayak you can experience the thrill of the waves and currents across miles of coast. Gain some very important survival skills before venturing into a new world of pleasure. For specialised advice, go to NSW Sea Kayak Club
Dragon Boat Racing is administered by the Australian Dragon Boat Federation.
Recreational Paddling is for every family member, especially at its best when added to a camping holiday. A recreational canoe or kayak is usually more for comfortable than a high performance craft, and can be loaded with gear for overnight or wilderness river trips. Join a club in your area and learn to paddle with safety. Email admin@paddleNSW.org.au for a copy of the Guide to NSW Canoeing (cost $10 plus postage)
Whitewater is a term that covers all sorts of canoeing, especially when there is a wave involved. For extreme experiences, paddlers will take the smallest of their playboats and head to any wave, sometimes found in a river, but more than not in the surf. There are competitions for freestyle and others for the fastest down the river. Boat handling and reading the water hydraulics are skills essential to this sport. Check out the clubs page for a whitewater club near you.
Rafting is for everyone! Groups can be found paddling some of the prettiest wild rivers in NSW. You can get single craft or one that can carry 10 people. Like all water sports you will need to wear the right safety gear and be able to swim. Penrith Whitewater centre is a great place to try it out. Go to penrithwhitewater.com.au for more information. Or join the Willow Warriors and do your bit for the environment at the same time
Combined Rafting and Whitewater paddling groups give expeditioners the best of both worlds
Want more information on these sports?
Drop us an email at admin@paddleNSW.org.au
Surf Kayaking Take kayaking to another extreme. The surf kayak is a specialised
fun machine, with a traditional hard-
Wildwater (down river) Racing is a fast, exciting sprint or longer event down a section
of river containing a series of fast-
For a good look around this sport, click here.
Outrigger racing is a fast, exciting sport in the open ocean, or more protected waterways. Narrow, lightweight craft with a single blade paddle. Plenty of thrills riding the downwind swells, or holding your own against the flatwater boats. See Northern Beaches Outriggers.
Ocean Ski Racing is possibly the fastest growing sport of paddling in NSW. The Unrestricted Racing Ski is most popular with open ocean racing such as the Rottnest Spirit World Cup event and Molokai World Championships, with more stable skis available for beginners. The SLSA ‘spec’ ski, is used in surf lifesaving events and in the ‘Ski’ class in marathon events.
Outriggers and Ocean Racing Skis often compete at the same events
