This is NOT the registration page for the Hawkesbury Classic on 8th November 2025.
Rather it is for a practice paddle on 6th September for those not familiar with a key leg of the full course.
The Course
The Hawkesbury Classic Committee will organise a familiarisation paddle of the Sackville to Wisemans Ferry leg of the Hawkesbury River on Saturday 6th September. This is approximately a 33km leg and the one which presents the most navigational challenge on the night of the race.
Tide conditions will be similar, but not identical, to the night of the Classic on 8th November. (6th September high tide at 10:44am at Sackville, 8thNovember high tide at 9:37pm)
Restrictions
Entries will be limited to paddlers who have already entered the 2025 Hawkesbury Classic.
Entries are currently limited to a maximum of 40 paddlers. (this may be reviewed under certain circumstances)
No registrations for the Familiarisation paddle will be taken on the day.
Time
Slower paddlers will leave at 8:30am, faster paddlers will leave at 9:30am. Slower paddlers can expect to complete the trip in 5+ hours, faster paddlers in 4+ hours.
Weather
Proceeding with the paddle will be weather dependant and a decision will be made the day before (Friday 5th September) at noon.
Logistics
The course is one-way and this presents logistical challenges for paddlers who need to travel back to the start to pick up their transport. While the organisers will use their best endeavours to accommodate everyone, it is suggested that paddlers pair themselves with a “paddling buddy” with one vehicle left at the finish location prior to the start, and the 2nd vehicle taking both boats to the start.
Lane Cove River Kayak club will have a kayak trailer at the finish to transport boats back to the start, however limited spots are available.
The start will be checkpoint D, Ulinbawn Ski Park, 968 Sackville Ferry Road, Sackville North. Also the location for the Sackville Ferry.
The finish will NOT be the usual checkpoint I (Wisemans Ferry checkpoint). It will be past checkpoint I, past the Webbs Creek Ferry, around the hairpin turn of the river and at the beach just prior to the Wisemans Ferry ferry on Wisemans Ferry Road.
Safety
Paddling will likely encounter pleasure craft, particularly speed boat traffic.
Paddlers must have a lifejacket and sufficient food and water for the paddle. All paddlers must also have a mobile phone in a waterproof case.
Cost
The cost is $10 per paddler plus all paddlers must either hold an active Paddle Australia (PA) membership or pay a Single Event Non-Member Fee ($24 for Adults/Seniors and $12 for Juniors). This will be automatically added during the registration process. Any parking fees at the start will be covered by the entry fee.
Changes and Cancellations
If weather prevents paddling on 6th September, we will try and find an alternative date. Refunds can be requested if the paddler is unable to join, however the refund will not include any applicable Paddle Australia insurance.
Questions
Questions can be directed to John Duffy at john@jduffy.com.au (email) or 0412 862 410.