THE CATARACT EXTREME RACE:

The Event
The third Teva Cataract Extreme Race (Powered by Hydro Tasmania) will be held on Sunday November 8th 2009 on one of Australia's most awesome stretches of whitewater, Launceston's Cataract Gorge.  As locals know it "The Gorge" is one of only a few areas in the world where a very challenging (dam controlled) world-class whitewater run and a spectacular natural gorge is combined with excellent public access within the confines of a large city.

There is a practice session for paddlers to get familiar with the course on Saturday 7th You MUST  keep clear of the World Cup section or risk disqualification. 

During the event both men’s and women’s divisions will compete in a qualifying extreme downriver race on Sunday 8th  (in teams of two).  A mass start "sport” division starting below the island (for those not wishing to risk their health, beauty or equipment on gnarlier extreme race section), will decide the lower qualifying order.  The final will be a head-to-head elimination series in front of the crowds down the legendary Slalom Rapid later in groups of two, three or four.  The event doubles as the Australian Extreme Whitewater Kayaking Championships.

It is only open to experienced kayakers capable of handling the very difficult and dangerous standard of whitewater.  Practice on the Lea Race is recommended (go to kayak4play.com.au)  Paddlers  must use kayaks of 265cm or less.  If you are a serious whitewater paddler (male or female) this event is yours!

The Course
At race flow (approx 900cfs) the river race section of Cataract Gorge is graded as challenging class four with many prolonged, steep and creeky rapids. The most difficult part is the series of steep rocky rapids around the right hand side of the island, just below Duck Reach, which will be included in the extreme race section on Saturday. Although difficult this section is now regularly paddled by highly experienced paddlers.

There are lots of eddies and all major rapids are separated by reasonable pools of flat water with riverside rescue on all major rapids. If the river is flooding (highly unlikely) the course may be modified or shortened for safety reasons. There will be plenty of time for competitors to familiarise themselves with the course through practice runs, If you haven’t paddled the course before you MUST complete at least one practice run prior to the race start on Sunday 8th.

Entry Form, Waiver and Rules
Click on either of the links below to download Entry Form, Release from Liability and Event Rules.

Total competitor numbers are limited to 100 so please enter as soon as possible.

TEVA CATARACT EXTREME RACE - POWERED BY HYDRO TASMANIA
CLICK HERE FOR FOR ENTRY FORM , WAIVER and RULES

Event Program for Competitors
Click HERE for a program (coming soon)