THE KALANG River Classic paddling race is back for 2023.

After a successful inaugural event in 2021 which saw over 180 entries, followed by a Covid enforced hiatus in 2022, the Kalang River Dragon Boat Club organisers are pleased to confirm the date and details.

On Sunday March 12, paddlers will race over a 14.5-kilometre set course around Newry Island on the picturesque Kalang River at Urunga.

According to Kalang River Dragon Boat Club, this year’s event will be bigger, better and even more fun with much enthusiastic support from the Urunga community.

The Kalang River Classic is a paddling race for non-motorised watercraft of various types.

Entries are invited from dragon boat clubs and paddlers of outriggers, kayaks and canoes and there will be a shorter one-kilometre course for SUPs (stand up paddleboards).

“The race will start from Atherton Drive at Urunga at 8am with registration and safety briefing from 7am,” Beth Spriggs from the Kalang Dragon Boat Club told News Of The Area.

“The full 14.5-kilometre course will take about two hours to complete and there will be refreshments, coffee vans and BBQ available for participants and spectators.

‘We are very pleased to announce that the C.ex Group Urunga has come on board as the major sponsor this year along with many other local sponsors.

“There will be a rich cache of trophy prizes, cash and goods and all profits from the event will go to the local Marine Rescue.

“So, dust off those boards and boats and save the date to be on our pristine Kalang River.

“Share it with others…this is such a fun, exciting event, not about winning, more about just being there and being part of it and just having fun on the water,” said Beth.

Official entry forms will be available online from mid-February.

For more information check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KalangRiverClassic or contact the organisers on 0414 475 085.

By Andrea FERRARI