Clutha Classic & Sprint 2026
Schedule
Sat, 10 Jan, 2026 at 09:00 pm
UTC+13:00Location
Eely Pt, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand | Queenstown, OT
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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.
A GRADE 2 CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY IS REQUIRED FOR ANYONE ENTERING BOTH THE SPRINT & CLASSIC.
Classic (50km):
Location: Eely Point
Registration & gear check: 7:30am - 8:30am
Race Briefing: 8:45am
Start first wave: 9:15am
Sprint (39km):
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
Compulsory Gear list:
Kayak helmet, PFD & whistle, 20 litres in boat (air bags or foam) or sealed hatches, repair kit (duct tape minimum).In a dry bag: polypro top and bottom, hat & gloves wool or polypro, windproof jacket or paddle jacket worn or stored, survival bag
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Where is it happening?
Eely Pt, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand, Queenstown, New ZealandEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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