Race 1 – River Rush

River Rush has been a consistent series favourite over the past few years because it is such a good rush! Are you ready to come and experience it again or perhaps take the plunge (not literally) for the first time to find out what you have been missing out on.

Don’t forget, the long course has points available for the newly instigated Queensland Offshore Paddle Series as well as our local north Queensland series.

The long course starts in the Ross River on an outgoing tide so you can really feel the Rush as the tidal flow propels you towards high speeds and the River mouth. Once out of the River enjoy the wind-assisted ride runners as you race to Pallarenda beach. Adrenalin plus in this event.

Long Course:

(If you can not view image above clearly, click here to view the courses in Google maps)

Long Course starts 10:00 am from the new boat ramps off 5^th Ave, South Townsville

Finishes at Pallarenda Beach (Freemasons Park – Near the toilet blocks)

Course Description:

River Rush takes competitors on an approximately 14-16 km scenic journey from the South Townsville boat ramp and out the Ross river mouth. With the high tide rushing out the river there is a Rush of water that propels the paddlers along making your top speeds on the river higher than normal for flat water. At the mouth of the river there is often a gnarly section of outgoing tide meeting oncoming swell, which gives a real RUSH for the experienced paddler. From the River mouth the Turn Buoy will be placed to maximise the best possible downwind run to the finish line. This downwind run should see the watercraft moving fast as they ride the ocean swell and wind chop for the best adrenaline rush!

Short & Junior Courses:

(If you can not view image above clearly, click here to view the courses in Google maps)

Course Descriptions:

The Short course starts at 10:45 am is designed to give less experienced paddlers a chance to get into the water without having to tackle the longer course and the potentially awkward conditions at the river mouth. Yes you will have to slog into the wind over part of the course but, like the long course, you should be rewarded with sweet downwind runs as well. The Short course starts and finishes at Freemasons Park, Pallarenda – competitors will paddle a traingular course close to shore and have a long leg taking them further offshore to enjoy a downwind run home. This will give you approximately 8 km of paddling. SUPs  complete a shorter, more forgiving course with less paddling into the wind.

The Junior course starts at 10:45 am at Pallarenda and sees paddlers tackle a shorter version of the short course.