Test your endurance on the beautiful Kalang Coffs Coast Sport Nambucca Valley Sport National News Property/Sports/Opinion - popup ad Sport by News Of The Area - Modern Media - January 9, 2025 Outrigger paddlers in racing action. FIRST launched in 2021, the third iteration of the Kalang River Classic will run on Sunday, 23 February 2025. Hosted by the Kalang River Dragon Boat Club, the race is held every two years for all types of non-powered watercraft. The set 15 kilometre course starts and finishes at Urunga and takes paddlers on a circuit around Newry Island on the picturesque Kalang River. The last ‘Classic’ held in 2023 featured more than 140 paddlers in outrigger canoes, dragon boats, kayaks, canoes, skulls and stand up paddle boards (SUPs). “This year a number of additional categories have been added to the event schedule, including a 15 kilometre race for SUPs as well as a number of fun races including a three kilometre SUP and kayak race for adults and a one kilometre race for juniors,” said Fran Stephenson, Kalang River Dragon Boat Club. Club member Beth Spriggs said the Classic is quickly establishing itself as a “must do” water event. “Each time it is held it grows attracting even more participants. “The full 15 kilometre course takes about two hours to complete and there will be refreshments, coffee vans and BBQ available on site for participants and spectators.” Cash prizes will be awarded in all categories and paddlers are encouraged to join in the fun by dressing up themselves and/or their boats. “There will be awards for the most impressive and imaginative dressed up entrants,” Beth said. “In 2023 we had pirates, sailors and tutus adding fun to the day and 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.” Registration is now open in all categories. For more information go to https://kalangriverclassic.com.au. The 15 kilometre course starts and finishes at Urunga.