The Paddle Polaris

Rob Howard / 05.11.2004

On 4/5 December some 150 kayakers from across Australia will take part in the 2004 Paddle Polaris, which this year is being held on, in and around the Myall Lakes system on the beautiful NSW mid North Coast.

The Paddle Polaris has grown out of the success of the Polaris Mountain Bike Challenge, now in it\'s 9th year and attracting over 600 riders to a new region of Australia each March. The first Paddle Polaris was held in 2002 year on Lake Eucumbene in the Snowy Mountains and last year kayakers enjoyed the Tuross Lakes system on the NSW South Coast.

In a new format for paddlesports events, teams of two in single or double kayaks will trawl the intricate creeks, rivers and lakes of the Myall Lakes system in search of checkpoints located on, around and some distance from the lake. There\'s even rumours of sharks and crocodiles putting in an appearance!

There is no fixed route; teams must plan a route over the two days to maximize their points gained. The leading teams are expected to paddle some 100km or so during the 7 hours on Saturday and 6 hours on the Sunday. But the event is not just about distance, it is about good route planning. All teams carry gear and food for an overnight camp, the location of which is kept secret until the Start.

The 2004 Paddle Polaris starts from Zanadu Resort on Boolambyte Creek at 8-30am Saturday 4th December with weary paddlers making their way back there on Sunday afternoon.

The event is sponsored by Nalgene Hydration, Princeton Tec lighting systems, Pittarak Expedition Kayaks, Ocean Planet paddle gear, Berghaus outdoor clothing and packs, Pacific Palms Kayak Tours and Zanadu Resort.

For further information check out www.wildhorizons.com.au or contact Huw Kingston on paddle@wildhorizons.com.au, Tel 02 48836509