Brisbane Valley report

Brisbane Valley Race

For many years the Brisbane Valley 2 day canoe & kayak race has been a regular event on the Queensland Canoeing calendar. However for the last 3 seasons weed growth in the upper reaches of the river has prevented the successful staging of the event.

The race, normally run over 2 days, consists of a remote down river section from Wivenhoe Dam spillway to Kholo lagoon on day 1 followed by a suburban paddle into the heart of outer Brisbane city on day 2.

Thanks to the work of the Indooroopilly Canoe Club and especially Erin Appleton the BV race was back on this year, albeit as a single day 55km event from Wivenhoe to Kholo.

One of our South Australian journeyman made the trip North and thanks to the generosity and support of local Bribie Island paddlers traversed the river event in a Sea Kayak.

Paddlers opt to paddle a short course of 38km, or the long course of 55km as a individual, double or in relay.

Trailing rudders were the order of the day with a strong field of TK1’s, a couple of K1’s with trailing rudders and of course the obligitory sea kayaks and canoes. With such a wide range of craft and a narrow opening only 50m from the start kayaks are marshalled in small starting groups with starts released on a staggered basis.

The race itself is tough enough with relatively shallow water and one significant portage. The 55km event down the upper Brisbane River travels from large lagoon to large lagoon with narrow shallow gaps that send you bumping over pebble wash rapids. Choosing the best course from several options available can sometimes be difficult.

Hopefully the BV event is now back on the calendar and judging by the support of sponsors, organisers, bbq crew and paddlers it will remain so.

Once again the BV55 demonstrates the value and strength of friendships that are created through the social interaction that occurs Australia wide at marathon paddling events.