ORGANISERS of the Kalang River Classic have hailed the 2025 event a huge success. Perfect weather and river conditions greeted the more-than 150 participants as they arrived early on Saturday, 23 February 23 to paddle a 15 km circuit around Newry Island at Urunga.

The race event is held every two years in February and is open to all non-powered watercraft.

Organised by the Kalang River Dragon Boat Club, the course takes approximately two hours to complete.

“It went extremely well this year and the excitement was fantastic,” said organiser Beth Spriggs.

“All who took part enjoyed it immensely, many pledging to return next time.

“The event is more about the personal challenge rather than winning the race, but that is very nice too.

“It was particularly pleasing to hear so many paddlers boasting about beating their previous personal bests over the long distance.”

Cash prizes were awarded in all categories.

Each year the event has seen an increase in entrants, with the next Classic planned for 2027.

“We were very pleased with the numbers and to have entrants in all categories,” Beth said.

“Paddlers came from Newcastle through to Brisbane and we had combined dragon boat teams representing Camden Haven, South West Rocks, Ballina and Coffs Coast as well as a number of our own Kalang club members participating.

“The Outrigger category was very well represented with some 30 boats competing. “Also the surf ski category was very popular.”

A raft of new categories were introduced this year, including a full 15 km race for stand up paddleboards (SUPs).

“We also added some shorter distance fun races for both adults and juniors including one km SUP and kayak categories,” Beth said.

Fancy dress costumes added to the spectacle on the day.

The Best Dressed Adult went to Sam Sincock, while the Junior prize went to 11-year-old Dominic Singleton, who also won the one km SUP junior category.

The Best Dressed team was awarded to Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Club from Ballina.

A donation from event proceeds will be made to Marine Rescue Nambucca Heads.

2025 Kalang River Classic Race Results

Dragon Boats

1st- South West Rocks/Kalang,

2nd- Rainbow Region,

3rd – Camden Haven

Outriggers

OC6- 1st- Coffs Coast, 2nd- Coffs Coast, 3rd- Mororo

OC2- 1st- Andrew Debus/Kath Day, 2nd- BookeHarris/Triona Faull, 3rd- Gary Machin

OC1M-1st- Tim Blay, 2nd- Darin Singleton, 3rd- Mark Lawrence

OC1F- 1st- Linda Donnini, 2nd- Renee Haynes

Surf Skis

SurfSki/Kayak M- Andrew Webber, 2nd- Wayne Heaton, 3rd- Ben Hutchinson

SurfSki/Kayak DBL- 1st-Graeme Hudson/Delia West, 2nd- Stuart Robb/Patty McCann

SUP

SUP15K M- 1st- David Freeman

SUP15K F – 1st- Monica Krummenacher, 2nd- Tracey Mouque, 3rd- Linda Sharpe

SUP1K S M- 1st-Peter Krummenacher, 2nd- Juan Cruz, 3rd- Jeff Rowe

SUP1K S F-1st- Ella Pellegrino

SUP1K JNR-Dominic Singleton