2009 Hydro Tasmania Wildwater World Cup

The International Canoe Federation Wildwater World Cup is being held in Tasmania from 20 October to 7 November at four locations around the State. These are on the upper Mersey River, Bradys Lake Whitewater, Meander River and Cataract Gorge. Anglers are requested to respect the alternative recreational use of these waters by whitewater paddlers, particularly during this time. This is only the second time the Wildwater World Cup has been held in the southern hemisphere and the Tasmanian team is ranked 5^th in the World. The fact that the competition is being held in Tasmania is due in part to national recognition of Tasmania as a unique, natural whitewater paddling destination and also because of the rise of Tasmania's wildwater paddlers in World competition.

The annual World Wildwater race series consists of 6 wildwater races, which are individual time trials down diffcult sections of whitewater rivers. Competitors must try to find the fastest route down the river whilst negotiating the natural hazards of the river such as large waves, stoppers and rocks. Wildwater racing requires great fitness and skill, including strong mental skills.  It is the purest form of river racing, just the paddler and the river.

The World Cup consists of 3 Classic Races and 3 Rapid Sprint Races. Rapid Sprint races are held on short course of between 300-500m, often on very difficult rapids. Competitors have two runs, with the times added together to determine the winner. Classic races are longer races and usually take between 10 and 25 minutes. Competitors get just one race run down the course. The place-getters in each race receive medals and every competitor gains points that are used to determine an overall World Cup Champion in each category.

Details of the event can be viewed on the website at www.wildwatertasmania.canoe.org.au but a basic outline of the program is as follows:

October 20-23, Free Practice, Upper Mersey

October 24, World Cup 1 (rapid sprint), Upper Mersey

October 25, World Cup 2 (classic), Upper Mersey

October 26-27, Free Practice, Upper Mersey - Race Course 2

October 28, World Cup 3 (classic), Upper Mersey - Race Course 2

October 29-30, Free Practice, Brady's Lake Whitewater Course

October 31, World Cup 4 (rapid sprint), Brady's Lake Whitewater Course

November 1, Free Practice, Bradys Whitewater

November 2, World Cup Race 5, Bradys Whitewater

November 5-6, Free Practice, Cataract Gorge

November 7, World Cup 6 (rapid sprint), Cataract Gorge