Hawkesbury Classic New Expedition Class

Doug Rosser

Jul 27

3 min read

Earlybird Savings Finish Thursday

Early bird entry pricing runs through until the 30th of July so take advantage of the savings on offer

30km / 60km / 100km …..the choice is yours

Enter Here

A Class of Your Own - Expedition Kayak Class

Following the lead of PNSW who have introduced an Expedition Kayak category, (ie. Sea Kayak category) for a number of other events, we are pleased to introduce the same for the Classic.

This recognises the class of kayaks that were the mainstay of the Classic for many years until sleeker, lighter and faster boats started to dominate the Medium Rec and Long Rec categories.

The specifications for the Expedition Kayak (EK) class are not based on weight, length or width. Rather the craft must simply be a commercially available Sea Kayak designed for genuine expedition paddling.

Examples include the Mirage 580/530, Epic 18X, Rockpool Taran, P&H Valkyrie, Pace 17, Expedition Kayaks Audax/Azure/Aurora/Nadgee, Valley Etain/Nordkapp, Arctic Raider, Ocean Raider, and Raider X.

If your boat is not on this list, please contact entries@canoeclassic.asn.au for clarification before you enter the EK class.

We encourage paddlers considering the EK class to abide by the intention and spirit of the category. Our decision on your boat’s eligibility will be final.

The EK class is for single boats only, not doubles.

It is across each of the 30km, 60km and 100km distances.

Records over these 3 distances will be open this year for Men and Women across Open, 40+, 50+ and 60+ years.

Arrow Foundation - 2026 Primary Recipient of Funds

The Hawkesbury Classic Paddle is a charity event. Again, this year, the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic Association Inc. has chosen Arrow Foundation to be the primary recipient of funds raised by paddlers in the event.

Upon entering the event, each paddler undertakes to raise a minimum of $200. Hopefully, most paddlers will raise far in excess of that minimum.

Paddler tee’s for 2026

For just $25 you can have this fabulous paddler tee shirt. Order yours when you enter the event. For extra shirts please email entries@canoeclassic.asn.au

Sponsors and Donations

Thank you, Hawkesbury City Council, who have very generously sponsored our event this year, plus 2026 and 2027. We are very grateful for your support.

Thank You - Community Bank North Richmond and Richmond (Bendigo Bank)

We extend our sincere thanks to Community Bank North Richmond and Richmond for once again providing sponsorship for the Classic.

Cockatoo Sponsors The Dash

A big thank you to Tim Griffiths from Cockatoo Kayak Tours for again sponsoring the medals for the 30km Windsor to Sackville "Dash". This Classic event is proving popular with newcomers to the Classic and those that have "been there - done that" but still want to be part of this iconic paddle.

Sponsored by

Expedition Kayaks

The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic Association Inc. is a small volunteer run charity whose sole reason for being is to run the annual Hawkesbury Classic Paddle and in so doing, raise funds for medically-based charities.

As an Incorporated Association, we need members !!

Joining the Association is simple. Send an email to association@canoeclassic.asn.au asking to become a member and we will provide the bank details to transfer the $10 membership fee.

By joining the Association you will be assisting us to comply with the statutory requirements for charities such as ours.

There is absolutely no obligation to become involved in the running of the organisation, but any help we can get would be very much appreciated.