The Lea Extreme Race is an annual favourite for whitewater kayakers in Australia and beyond.
Returning in September this year, the event will see teams of two compete in time trials down Class Three and Four rapids on the Lea River in northern Tasmania.
The 14th installation of the event will see it hosted by the Tasmanian Canoe Club for the second time, which spokesperson and club member Jordan Taylor is suitably excited about.
“The Lea is our home run, so I think the whole club is looking forward to hosting such an iconic event. We hope we can increase the visibility the event receives and make it much more accessible to the general public.”
The Lea Extreme Race hosts mostly Australian teams, however the unique nature of the course also attracts international interest, Taylor explained.
“Unlike similar whitewater kayaking races, the Lea course features natural flows that vary significantly each year,” he said. “This adds to the challenge as competitors need to have an awareness of the river at various flows, from very low to very high.”
Many teams travel from interstate to compete in the race, however there have been visitors from New Zealand, Europe and North America compete as well.
Entrants of the race compete to win the ‘Bull’ – an iconic trophy associated with the race – but the real reward is the post-race celebrations, which will be held this year at the Tasmanian Canoe Club headquarters on the Forth River.
“We’re really hoping to have a large number of entrants sign up for the Lea Extreme Race in the coming weeks,” said Taylor. “However we’re also encouraging as many spectators to come along and get involved with one of the country’s premiere kayaking events.”
Early-bird entries are now available until July 31, with Social Tickets on sale for those who wish to spectate. For more information and to book your place, visit the Tasmanian Canoe Club website or see the 2016 Lea Extreme Race page on Facebook.