Due to the lower air and water temperatures, and increased risk of exposure, this race will be conducted on a new 5km "lap" course starting and finishing further downstream at Wiradjuri Reserve Wagga Wagga from 12 noon.

Please ensure correct clothing for winter paddling and the weather forecaste for the day.

Divisions 1-7 will paddle 4 laps. 

Divisions 8 & 8.5 will paddle 3 laps. 

Divisions 10-12 will paddle 2 laps. 

Division 13 will paddle 1 lap.

For a sneak peak on what to expect, click on the link here, for footage of the 2024 Bidgee Bash.

Registration & Starts

On the day, please go directly to Wiradjuri Reserve and report to the race official who will mark you off and hand you your race number.  Please remember to hand your race number in at the end.

WBCC Race Officials will be the each start location 45 minutes before the start.

The Race Starter will give a series of 3 pre start verbal warnings to each Division/starting group.  These will be at the 3 minute, 2 minute and 1 minute mark. Follow the instructions of the marshal located upstream from the start who will get you in your start group and tell you when to start moving slowly down to the starting buoy.

Once satisfied with the line, the Race Starter will issue the instruction “Ready, Go”.  

Please remain to the RIGHT of any red/pink buoys that you see on the river to ensure the safety of all paddlers doing the circuit. 

Map of Wagga Beach,  Wiradjuri Reserve, the Palm & Pawn Hotel and Course 

Safety

Lifejackets (PFD’s) must be worn by all paddlers at all times.

The VRA and Wagga Bidgee Canoe Club members will be on hand to support the event. There will be a safety boat positioned on the course to provide assistance to paddlers if needed. All safety boats will be able to administer basic first aid and will have phone and radio coverage to coordinate a rescue if required. You may encounter an occasional small tinny fishing boat, so keep an eye out for their fishing lines.

!!DO REPORT ANY MATTERS RELATED TO RETIRING FROM THE RACE!!

All paddlers must make it known to other paddlers and the VRA rescue boats if they are exiting the race, or are experiencing any difficulties - mechanical, medical or other issues. 

Any paddler in difficulty must be assisted by those in the vicinity, and any time taken to assist a paddler in difficulty will be considered through normal redress processes.

Passing

When a verbal warning is given to a boat about to be passed, that boat should not deviate from its course, and should allow the approaching boats to pass with safety. Boats should pass on the port (left) side unless there is no other option, and must give the slower boat adequate clearance so their progress is not hindered. Responsibility rests with the overtaking boat to do so in the safest possible manner.