CLUTHA LAKE TO LAKE

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Clutha Classic

Event Information

Clutha Classic

Event Information

Clutha Classic

Event Information

Clutha Lake to Lake 55km
Event Information

Location: Wanaka Outlet; Outlet Road (350m past Outlet Camp Wanaka)
Registration & gear check: 7:30am - 8:30am
Race Briefing: 8:45am
Start first wave: 9:15am

Entry Fees (late fee kicks in 29 December 2025)

Juniors (under 18 on race day) $50

SLMC Members $100 (late fee $130)

Non members $130 (late fee $160)

On the day entries: $250

Doubles:

SLMC Members $170 (late fee $200)

Non Members $190 (late fee $220)

On the day entries: $300

Online entries close 6pm; Friday 9 January. If you miss this you must enter on the day & pay the price!

The race start is in waves of up to 10 paddlers of a similar speed, with the fastest wave leaving last. This creates an exciting race within the race for all paddlers. A good estimation of your 10km race time is required as part of the entry. Entries are open to all classes of kayak.

A GRADE 2 CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY IS REQUIRED FOR ANYONE ENTERING THE CLUTHA CLASSIC.

Dydimo is present on the Clutha River - ensure you properly wash and dry you paddle gear before heading to other water ways. If coming from the North Island or anywhere Invasive Clams are, please wash & dry your kayak prior to the race.

All competitors must attend the race briefing at Wanaka Outlet

ENTER

The Finish Line

The finish line is at Bendigo Freedom Camping area, off State Highway 8 the Tarras-Cromwell road. We share this space with the public, so please car pool and be respectful of this space.

Directions: 16km north of Cromwell and 16km south of Tarras on SH8.

Race End: When you emerge onto Lake Dunstan continue in the direction the river leads you, towards the SLMC finish line flag at the Bendigo Freedom Camping area on lake/river left.

Ensure that you paddle close to the time-keepers so you can get your time accurately recorded.

Post Race: There will be a hot pie and an icecream waiting for you, while you stand around discussing which wave trains you dominated & which boils ate your paddle.

Prize giving will be held at the finish line once the final paddler has completed the race, and the results have been tallied, estimated at 1:30pm.

Entry Information

To enter the Clutha Lake to Lake you require a GRADE II KAYAKING PROFICIENCY. If you don't have this yet, please contact us at slmcmembership@gmail.com

All competitors must carry (or be wearing) all of the Compulsory Gear required for the event. Gear and boats will be scrutineered before the race.

In the event of extreme weather conditions, the race director and safety team reserve the right to substitute an alternative course.

Online entries up to Friday 6pm. Please enter early for the sanity of our volunteer race organisers! We have very generous refund policies & would rather you enter then pull out than enter on the day!

Entry Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions:

By entering the race, competitors agree to the requirement to provide proof of Grade II Kayak proficiency where required. All competitors must carry or be wearing all of the compulsory gear required for the event.

Cancellation: If the race is cancelled due to weather, or circumstances outside of the organiser's control, notification will be posted on the SLMC Facebook Page by 6:30am on the morning of the race. The race organisers will make every effort to keep entrants informed about any potential circumstances relating to cancellation. We are unable to provide refunds or transfers due to costs incurred by the club.

Withdrawals - Withdrawals received up to two weeks prior to race day will receive a 50% refund. There will be no refunds for withdrawals received thereafter, due to costs incurred by the race.

Force Majeure - In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, earthquake, and the race has to be cancelled, there will be no refunds.

Compulsory Gear

Kayak, canoe or ski suitable for the conditions

PFD (life jacket) & Whistle

Survival Bag (attached to PFD)

Spraydeck

Airbags or sealed hatches

Paddle

Paddle Helmet

In a dry bag attached to the Kayak or Ski:

Repair Kit (including duct tape)
Polypro top and bottom
Hat (wool or poly pro)
Gloves (wool or poly pro)

To be worn, or carried:

Paddle Jacket (wind proof)

This is the minimum you must carry

The Finish Line

Clutha Classic

Entry Information

Compulsory Gear

2026; Sunday 11 January

This legendary race is a popular hit out before Kathmandu Coast to Coast. The Clutha Lake to Lake is 55km long. Competitors start in waves from Wanaka Outlet, heading straight down the Clutha River through Albert Town, under the Red Bridge at Luggate and finishing at th head of Lake Dunstan at the Bendigo Freedom Camp.

Travel & Accommodation

There are plenty of awesome accommodation options within easy driving distance of the race start

Wanaka
Albert Town
Hawea
Cromwell
Queenstown

Spectator Information

Kayaking is not always a spectator sport - luckily there are several spots you can cheer competitors on:

Various vantage points around Lake Wanaka - start line at Eely Point, Beacon Point Road, Lake Outlet Track
Between Wanaka & Albert Town - loads of spots along the Outlet Track, Wicklow Terrace, Albert Town Bridge
The Upper Clutha River Track runs both sides of the Clutha, with River Views along its length - easy access by foot or mountain bike
Red Bridge on the Luggate-Tarras Road
The finish line