WHEN 11th - 13th OCTOBER , 2024

ENTRIES OPEN 4th July 2024

WHERE, GRAFTON, NSW

ABOUT

The Clarence 100 is a three-day, 3 stage marathon river paddle totalling a distance of 106km. year the C100 continues to grow and is fast becoming one of the must do marathon paddles in Australia attracting a broad range of abilities from the elite to the novice on a broad range of craft type. The 3 stages are divided into distances of 40/40/26 km. Each stage commences early morning and is completed before lunch each day. The event showcases 106km of the Clarence River and Valley and highlights the pristine biodiverse environments typical of Northern East NSW. Our event acknowledges pays respect to the traditional landowners of the area including the people of the Bundjalung, Yaegl and Gumbaynggiir nations. We have been provided a traditional welcome onto the river known in traditional cultural language as “Breimba”. Along the way paddlers pass through historical townships such as Copmanhurst, Grafton, Ulmarra, Brushgrove, Maclean, and Yamba as well as many river islands that form part of the river system. The unique format allows participants to paddle hard each day then enjoy the local hospitality provided by the cafes, hotels and restaurants during the afternoons and evenings in between. In essence we start in the bush, and we finish at the beach.

Paddlers have 3 entry pathways.

1. You can enter any individual stage or all 3 stages over the three days.
2. Two person full distance team option (dynamic duo). Each paddler in the Team completes the full distance. Total finishing time of each paddler are combined to record a total time. Each paddler must paddle the same craft class. .
3. 6 leg relay option. for individual or double craft class. each boat with paddler or paddlers must complete at least one leg of each day. (each day is divided into 2 legs).

A variety of paddle craft are welcome provided it is designed for speed over long distance. Sorry but this event is not for the “Bird Watchers “.  No offence but we like to have everyone finished by lunch time each day.

Be reminded to “Never Underestimate the Clarence”, This can be a tough challenging paddle and the conditions can vary on each of the three days scheduled, Always expect the unexpected as history has shown each day is a different challenge. You must be physically prepared and capable of maintaining a concerted effort over an extended period. This event is not for novice paddlers new to the sport unless you have prepared yourself adequately. 

Thursday 10^th October Event Sign On and Briefing

FRIDAY 11^TH OCTOBER DAY 1.

 SATURDAY 12^TH OCTOBER DAY 2

SUNDAY 13^TH OCTOBER DAY 3

An Individual may enter the full distance where you paddle all three stages, or you can enter to paddle any selected stage over each of the three days. You may enter as a relay team member on single craft double or multi person craft and be part of the 6-leg relay where each member of the team paddles one of the two legs each stage of each day. OR You can enter as a 2-person combined full distance team. You can enter as a Junior (18 and under) as an Open age paddler or an age category paddler. The C100 provides these options to suit your fitness level and willingness to be part of a great three-day paddle challenge.

For clarification- Each day is recognised as a stage. Each stage has 2 legs of approximately similar distance. Therefore 3 stages equals 6 legs in total that comprises the full distance.

Craft allowable must be designed for paddling fast speeds over long distance.  SUP and Prone should be capable of maintaining speed of approximately 6km per hour. All other craft minimum approximate speed 8km per hour. Please ensure your capability on your craft meets this requirement. We will not be adopting cut off times although we may advise paddlers to start earlier the following day. You may also choose to voluntarily withdraw from course at the relay change out points. In this situation you must reach the change out location to have your boat number accounted for. All our support is volunteer, and everyone involved needs to respect this.

Craft must be designed for paddling fast speeds over long distance.

Craft categories include

• Ocean Ski Single /Double
• Spec Ski, Single/Double
• T Kayak/ All lengths / Single/Double
• K1 kayak K2 Kayak
• Prone 12 stock
• Prone Unlimited
• Prone 10.6
• SUP 14ft
• SUP unlimited
• Canoe, Single /Double
• Outrigger, Single/Double/Multi Person

There is one relay option available. - 6 leg Relay option. Relay option is available for Male/Female/Mixed, and Adult/Junior/Mixed age combination in any craft categories. 

 6 x LEG RELAY (available for all craft categories)

 Each day is one stage and is divided into 2 legs. Each leg is approximately half the stage total distance. Each paddler or combination of paddlers must complete one leg of each stage   ideally suited for a 2-person team but if paddling a double craft, a 4-person team. Each team will be identified by one boat number

Order of paddlers for each stage

Relay teams will have the flexibility to decide stage paddler order directly prior to the start of each stage but prior to each morning stage briefing. Please notify race admin during daily attendance sign on at least 15 minutes prior to daily stage briefing.

1. Ensure Pre book accommodation for Thursday night and Friday night in Grafton or surrounds. This makes travel easier for Stage 1 start and finish and stage 2 start.  Free campgrounds are available at Copmanhurst Boat ramp for Thursday night prior to stage 1 start. Copmanhurst is 35 minutes’ drive from Grafton so take this timing into your travel considerations to ensure you arrive at the event start early.
2. Ensure Pre book accommodation for Saturday night and Sunday night in Yamba or surrounds. This makes travel easier for your travel logistics. On final day. This is not mandatory as everyone will have their own planning to be considered. We have found this plan works best for first timers.
3. Drivers ensure you have mapped out key locations during the event including the relay change out and rest locations. There is a considerable amount of vehicular travel to and from certain key locations and it helps to be prepared in advance. The event briefing will provide answers on questions about vehicle directions
4. Thursday night 10^th October attend event sign on, welcoming and overall briefing at “The Crown Hotel” 1 Prince St Grafton from 5:30pm to 7:30 pm. Recommended attendance for first timers.
5. Friday 11^th October, START race 7am, Copmanhurst (end of Lawrence St Boat Ramp and camping ground)
6. If you are part of a team, plan out who can drive whilst the other is paddling each leg. Make an attempt to organise carpooling with your team members or other paddlers prior to each stage commencement.
7. If demand dictates, an organised bus returning to start of stage Start locations will be organised. This will incur a minor additional expense to participant on the day. Relay members can drive whilst not paddling and use one vehicle. We will not be organising buses for a few paddlers as we have done in the past. there must be large enough numbers to make this option cost effective. An email will be sent out to all registered participants at the time two weeks prior to determine the needs for this service. A daily bus fee in cash will be applicable to those using bus and this will be determined if and when numbers are finalised. Keep an eye out for this email from Webscorer providing further detail 2 weeks prior.
8. Daily sign on at least half hour before start of every stage. Please do not leave until last minute as we have lots to organise during daily sign on
9. Expected finish time for Stage 1,  between 11am and 1pm hrs at Grafton, 40 km
10. Lunch and Stage 1 debrief at The Crown Hotel, Grafton (Non-Compulsory). This allows us an opportunity to provide you a run down on stage 2 on mass.
11. Saturday 12^th Octocer Start Stage 2, Prince St boat ramp Grafton at 7am for SUP/Prone 7:15 am all others.
12. Ensure support vehicle and person know where relay change out is located. (Brushgrove Boat ramp)
13. Expected finish time for stage 2, between approximately 11am and 1pm at Maclean jetty and boat ramp, Maclean, 40km.
14. No organised lunch gathering, after finish, do your own thing.
15. Afternoon evening rest, enjoy the local hospitality of your choice.
16. Sunday 13^th October be on scene at Lower Clarence River Rowing Club for stage 3 sign on by. 6:45 am. Mass start all paddlers 7;30 am
17. FINISH event Whiting Beach (East end) Yamba- see map
18. Presentation location at Yamba Golf Club from 1;30 pm onwards. Light refreshments provided from 3 pm. Finish 4;30 pm.
19. All event participants and supporters are welcome to gather at Pacific Hotel Yamba late Sunday afternoon onwards for a well-earned post event socialising and recovery session.
20. Any queries or any advice needed before event contact. Ben Sullivan -bensull@hotmail.com.

1. Is wash riding (Drafting) permitted during the event?

Answer: In the spirit of fairness and governed by yourself and peers, a paddler should avoid wash riding a vessel widely acknowledged to be faster through its design or configuration for any extended period of time or in a manner or with regularity that obviously creates an unfair advantage over the rest of competition in that craft class. This expectation is guided by common sense principles, and takes into account situations that are unavoidable and unintentional. Don’t create animosity between other paddlers by over drafting and be prepared to lead the pack when your turn arises. If you are a social entry, wash ride as much as you are capable of if it helps you go faster

2.  Can I enter one stage only?

Answer:  Yes, you can enter any single or any two stages. In this situation you will be classified as a social division paddler. Your time will still be recorded.

3. Are there age categories for relay teams?

Answer: Not strictly. If you are a junior team, all members must be 18 and under. If you are an adult relay team, members can be any age combined. Awards will be given for either Junior or adult divisions

4. How accessible is the course for vehicles at tag out stages for relay teams

Answer:  The river has numerous access points for vehicles and support crews. . At tag out points there is safe vehicular access to these locations. Consult mapping and talk with event management for knowledge of these points prior to start.

5. Is there transport provided from finish point return to start point for those participants who are without a driver of their vehicle?

Answer: Provided there are enough paddlers with this need a bus will be arranged to return paddlers to vehicle at start point of each stage. This will incur a small fee. Otherwise, paddlers will be encouraged to network with others and car pool if possible.

6. Can I change craft throughout the event. E.g., K1 stage 1 and stage 2 change to O/Ski stage 3

Answer: Yes, however you will no longer be classified competitive status. You will then be considered social. But your stage time will count as official and be ranked with competitive results

7. Are there cut off times for each stage?

Answer: No.  A paddler must maintain a certain effort to be past the 20km mark of day 1 and day 2 within 3 hours.  However- if after day 1 this is difficult to achieve the paddler may start earlier than main group on day 2 to prevent resources being designated to monitor slow  paddler welfare beyond finish time of main group

8. Is parking at start and finish of each stage available?

Answer: Yes, there is parking at each location close to entry and exit points throughout. Some areas do have time restrictions .Enquire with organisers for parking advice.

9. Will refunds be given for event cancellation ?

Answer:  Yes, 50% refund of event fees will be reimbursed if event is cancelled for any reason prior to start event date 11^th October. No refund will be given if event is cancelled after the event start date.

10. Will recovery sustenance be provided at the end of each stage?

Answer: Basic sustenance will be provided including Gatorade, water, fresh fruit. We suggest that you be prepared for your individual requirements. The plan is to get off the water and lunch at local venues as soon as practicable.

11. Do I have to wear a PFD?

Answer: Yes, this is mandatory for all sit on or in craft. SUP and Prone are exempt but must have a leg leash attached at all times. Failure to wear a PFD will mean exclusion from the event.

12. Do I need to wear aquatic foot protection?

Answer: We strongly advise you to wear aquatic foot protection throughout all water activity. At times you may be exposed to slippery rocks, sharp concealed objects and mud at entry and exit points of river.

13. I have a physical disability, does the event cater for those with disability?

Answer: Yes, the event management will do everything possible to assist with your needs where possible. Please discuss your needs with management prior to registration.

14. Am i covered for individual participant insurance during the event?

Answer: No. There is no individual participant insurance cover provided for this event. People are advised to seek their own insurance cover at own pesonal expense if this is a preference. Paddlers must read, understand and acknowledge event waiver during the event registration process. All paddlers must also sign a hard copy waiver during event sign on or prior to any activity associated with inclusion into the event

15. Can I camp overnight at the event start point Copmanhurst?

Answer: Yes, the start point is a council managed free camp ground. It’s a great option for those with a van or tent