THE Kalang River Classic race held on Sunday 12 March on the river at Urunga was not only a very successful, fun event for all participants who paddled the challenging 14.5 km course, it was a win-win for local rescue groups.

The organisers were proud to be able to hand over a donation of $2,000 to the Nambucca Marine Rescue group which patrols and looks after the Urunga waterways.

The funds will be used to purchase a public network safety radio, an item not covered by funding from Government and Marine Rescue sources.

Donations were also made to the Urunga and Bellingen SES as a thank you for providing safety boats during the event.

“We are very pleased to be able to make these donations to the local Marine Rescue and Urunga and Bellingen SES,” said Kalang River Dragon Boat Club President Lois Doyle.

“We can’t thank them enough for their presence and support at the recent Classic event and for their ongoing work in the local area all throughout the year.”

The 2023 Kalang River Classic is a race for all types of non-motorised paddling craft and is to be held bi-annually on the beautiful Kalang River at Urunga.

The race covers a challenging and picturesque 14.5km. circuit around Newry Island for dragon boats, outriggers, kayaks and surf skis with a shorter 1km course for stand up paddle boards and canoes.

This year the race event attracted over 140 paddling participants who travelled from far and wide to Urunga to participate and included sporting teams, hobby enthusiasts and family members together to share the fun time on the water.

“Paddlers came from as far south as Maitland and from Currumbin in the north as well as Tamworth, Taree, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, South West Rocks and Coffs Harbour.

“We also had a fancy dress category so we had a few pirates, sailors and tutus adding fun to the mix.

“It was a very pleasing roll-up and a great event with most competitors saying they will be back next time,” said Lois.

Amongst the mix of competitors there were two composite dragon boat teams, one with members from the Manning and Camden Haven dragon boat clubs and the other from South West Rocks combined with local Kalang club members.

The first and second place in the outrigger class was taken out by the Coffs Harbour Outriggers followed by the Maroro team from Port Macquarie in third place.

The Kalang River Classic was organised and hosted by the Kalang River Dragon Boat club and the Urunga Chamber of Commerce.

The event was supported by local sponsors the C.ex, Ocean View Hotel, the Urunga Pharmacy, Anchors Wharf Café & Restaurant and Geoff King Motors.

The Kalang River Classic, inaugurated in 2021, is planned to be a biennial event with the next date being in 2025.

By Andrea FERRARI