WHEN: 10th - 12th OCTOBER , 2025
ENTRIES: OPEN 1sh July 2025
WHERE: The Clarence River, Northern NSW
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.
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.
DATE
THURSDAY 10TH OCTOBER
TIME
5PM-7PM
LOCATION
“THE CROWN HOTEL” 1 PRINCE ST, GRAFTON
FRIDAY 11TH OCTOBER
COPMANHURST BOAT RAMP (LAWRENCE ST, COPMANHURST)
MARSHALLING
FROM 6AM
START TIME
7AM SHARP
FINISH LOCATION
GRAFTON ROWING SHEDS, PRINCE ST GRAFTON
SATURDAY 12TH OCTOBER
GRAFTON ROWING SHEDS (PRINCE ST, GRAFTON)
MACLEAN BOAT RAMP AND JETTY (MACNAUGHTON PLACE MACLEAN)
SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER
FROM 6:30 AM
7:30 AM SHARP
WHITING BEACH YAMBA
PRESENTATION
YAMBA GOLF CLUB FROM 1PM -5PM
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
CRAFT
INDIVIDUAL MALE and FEMALE
DOUBLE MM/FF/MIX
RELAY 6 legs
2 PERSON COMBINED
JUNIOR
OPEN AGE
40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 +
O/SKI
Yes
SPEC SKI
K1 KAYAK
T KAYAK
ALL LENGTH
OUTRIGGER
CANOE (TC)
SUP 14ft
N/A
PRONE
UNLIMITED
STOCK
ANY MULTI PERSON CRAFT 4 +
MIXED AGES AND
/GENDER
NA
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.
Day 1
Stage 1
Leg1= 18km
Leg 2=22km
Day 2
Stage 2
Leg 3= 20km
Leg 4= 20km
Day 3
Stage 3
Leg 5= 11km
Leg 6= 15km
Event Pricing Early Bird Discount from July 1st – August 31st
ANY 1 STAGE
ANY 2 STAGES
FULL DISTANCE
EARLY BIRD $
FULL DISTANCE STANDARD $
ADULT
$50
$100
$150
$180
$40
$60
$120
RELAY ADULT
RELAY JUNIOR
The event may be cancelled before the scheduled start or during. Reasons for cancellation may include health orders issued by government, unsafe weather conditions such as storms or flood or any other unforeseeable condition that may compromise the safety of the participant or the reputation of the event organisational team. This decision will be made with as much notice to the participant as practicably possible. In circumstances mentioned warranting event cancellation, the event organiser accepts no liability for any costs incurred by registered participants or their associates that relate to their attendance or intentions to attend at any time. This includes costs associated with pre booked accommodation, transport costs and loss of related forms of income or leave costs associated with employment. Where cancellation occurs prior to scheduled start date of the event 50 % of entry fees will be refunded. If cancellation occurs at any time after the event start noted as being 1730 hours on Thursday 10th October, 2024, Nil refund is applicable.
If Participant withdraws from the event prior to start date a refund will be provided less a $20 admin fee. Event t-shirt may be posted out for an additional cost of $15”.
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 11th 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