CLUTHA CLASSIC

Clutha Classic

Clutha Classic

Event Information

Clutha Classic

Event Information

Clutha Classic

Event Information

Entry Terms & Conditions

SLMC "Clutha Classic" and "The Sprint" is attracting large fields of paddlers. Preparing the handicapping, and allocating waves for paddlers has become quite the mamoth task, so we WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING RACE ENTRIES AFTER NOON ON 14 January 2024. THERE WILL BE NO ON-THE-DAY ENTRIES.

Race numbers will be allocated to entrants based on waves, numbers and timing chips will be handed out at registration on race day, 20 January 2024.

Terms & Conditions:

By entering the race, competitors agree to the requirement to provide proof of Grade II Kayak proficiency where required. All competitors must carry or be wearing all of the compulsory gear required for the event.

Cancellation: If the race is cancelled due to weather, or circumstances outside of the organiser's control, notification will be posted on the SLMC Facebook Page by 6:30am on the morning of the race, and an email sent to those who entered. The race organisers will make every effort to keep entrants informed about any potential circumstances relating to cancellation. We are unable to provide refunds or transfers due to costs incurred by the club.

Withdrawals - Withdrawals received up to two weeks prior to race day will receive a 50% refund. There will be no refunds for withdrawals received thereafter, due to costs incurred by the race.

Force Majeure - In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, earthquake, and the race has to be cancelled, there will be no refunds.

Clutha Classic 50km
Event Information

Location: Eely Point
Registration & gear check: 7:30am - 8:30am
Race Briefing: 8:45am
Start first wave: 9:15am

Entry Fees (late fee kicks in 29 December 2025)

SLMC Members $85 (late fee $115)

Non members $100 (late fee $130)

Doubles:

SLMC Members $140 (late fee $170)

Non Members $160 (late fee $190)

Entries close 6pm; Friday 9 January. Strictly no late entries

The race start is in waves of up to 10 paddlers of a similar speed, with the fastest wave leaving last. This creates an exciting race within the race for all paddlers. A good estimation of your 10km race time is required as part of the entry. Entries are open to all classes of kayak.

A GRADE 2 CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY IS REQUIRED FOR ANYONE ENTERING THE CLUTHA CLASSIC.

Dydimo is present on the Clutha River - ensure you properly wash and dry you paddle gear before heading to other water ways.

All 50km competitors must attend the race briefing Eely Point

ENTER NOW

The Sprint

Clutha Classic

The Sprint 39km
Event Information

Start Location: Albert Town Boat Ramp (access is the first right after the Albert Town Bridge, on the Hawea side of the Clutha River)
Registration (Eely Point): 7:30am - 8:30am

Gear Check (Albert Town boat ramp): 8:00am - 9:30am
Race Briefing (Albert Town boat ramp): 9:45am
Start first wave: 10:15am

Entry Fees (late fee kicks in 29 December 2025)

SLMC Members $85 (late fee $115)

Non members $100 (late fee $130)

Doubles:

SLMC Members $140 (late fee $170)

Non Members $160 (late fee $190)

Entries close 6pm; Friday 9 January. Strictly no late entries

The race start is in waves of up to 10 paddlers of a similar speed, with the fastest wave leaving last. This creates an exciting race within the race for all paddlers. A good estimation of your 10km race time is required as part of the entry. Entries are open to all classes of kayak.

A GRADE 2 CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY IS REQUIRED FOR ANYONE ENTERING THE SPRINT.

ENTER NOW

The Finish Line

The finish line for the Clutha Classic and The Sprint is at Bendigo Reach. We are very lucky to have access to this get out point, please be considerate to land owners, and respectful of the environment.

Vehicle Access: From the Tarras-Cromwell Road (SH8), turn onto Oliver Road (the intersection is about 1.7km South of the one-lane Lindis River Bridge). Follow Olivers Road (gravel) past the two houses on the right for about a kilometer, the road turns into more of a farm-track and makes a sweeping right hand turn. Continue along the track for about half a kilometer and then take a sharp left turn that leads into the willow trees. Once you emerge from the willows follow the track across the river stones to the Finish Area (click here for a detailed map)

Race End: When you emerge around the final bend of the Clutha River and reach the finish line victorious, ensure that you paddle close to the time-keepers so you can get your time accurately recorded.

Post Race: There will be a hot pie and an icecream waiting for you, while you stand around discussing which wave trains you dominated & which boils ate your paddle.

Prize giving will be held at the finish line once the final paddler has completed the race, and the results have been tallied, estimated at 2:30pm.

The Finish Line

Entry Information

To enter the Clutha Classic or The Sprint you require a GRADE II KAYAKING PROFICIENCY. If you don't have this yet, please contact us at slmcmembership@gmail.com

All competitors must carry (or be wearing) all of the Compulsory Gear required for the event. Gear and boats will be scrutineered before the race.

In the event of extreme weather conditions, the race director and safety team reserve the right to substitute an alternative course.

Online entries up to Friday 6pm. Strictly no on the day entries allowed. Enter early and save!

Entry Information

2026; Sunday 11 January

This legendary race is a popular hit out before Kathmandu Coast to Coast. The Clutha Classic is 50km long. Competitors start in waves from Eely Point in Wanaka, paddle across the lake to the outlet and down the Clutha River through Albert Town and under the Red Bridge at Luggate before negotiating the famous Devils Elbow, battling towards the finish line at Bendigo Reach.

The Sprint is 39km long and begins at Albert Town, following the same course as the Clutha Classic and sharing the finish line at Bendigo Reach.

Compulsory Gear

Kayak, canoe or ski suitable for the conditions

PFD (life jacket) & Whistle

Survival Bag (attached to PFD)

Spraydeck

Airbags or sealed hatches

Paddle

Paddle Helmet

In a dry bag attached to the Kayak or Ski:

Repair Kit (including duct tape)
Polypro top and bottom
Hat (wool or poly pro)
Gloves (wool or poly pro)

To be worn, or carried:

Paddle Jacket (wind proof)

This is the minimum you must carry

Spectator Information

Kayaking is not always a spectator sport - luckily there are several spots you can cheer competitors on:

Various vantage points around Lake Wanaka - start line at Eely Point, Beacon Point Road, Lake Outlet Track
Between Wanaka & Albert Town - loads of spots along the Outlet Track, Wicklow Terrace, Albert Town Bridge
The Upper Clutha River Track runs both sides of the Clutha, with River Views along its length - easy access by foot or mountain bike
Red Bridge on the Luggate-Tarras Road
The finish line