The 2024 Paddle Australia Canoe Slalom National Championships is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania.
For more info visit: http://www.discovertasmania.com/
Here are the 10 things you need to know about the 2024 Canoe Slalom Nationals:
1) – RACE SCHEDULE
The draft race schedule can be found HERE and will start with the team leaders meeting on Thursday April 4th at 3.00 pm. The basic program will follow:
- Tuesday- All States Camp and Open Training.
- Wednesday- All States Camp and Open Training.
- Thursday- Training
- Friday- Kayak Cross
- Saturday- All Slalom Heats
- Sunday -All Slalom Finals
2) – THE COURSE
Bradys Lake is a difficult and very fast course. It is shallow in places and so having a very strong roll is essential and being competent on grade 4 water is also essential.
Please note: The organisers might require a skills and rolling test as well as a coach verification for any paddlers who are not familiar to them.
3) – GETTING THERE
The Bradys Lake course is in the middle of Tasmania and is about two hours drive from Hobart or Launceston.
Please note:
- – The road from Launceston includes about 30 km of gravel from Miena to Bronte park.
- – If you are coming on the boat to Devonport the drive is about 2.5 hrs and includes the gravel section from Miena.
4) – ACCOMMODATION
There is very little commercial accommodation nearby. There is some accommodation at Bradys Lake, Bronte Park, Derwent Bridge and Tarraleah. If you’re prepared to drive further you can look at Miena or Ouse and Hamilton.
Please note: The event organisers do have contact with some nearby shack owners if you need help please send an email to petereckhardt1960@gmail.com
5) – CAMPING
There will be free camping on site. The only amenities will be a bank of port-a-loos. The lake is good for a refreshing daily bath! We will designate areas for camping to keep the organising areas clear for paddlers and officials.
6) – FOOD AND SUPPLIES
There is a very small corner store at Bronte Park. Its best to bring everything and plan a trip to Ouze if your staying for more than 3 days and might need to stock up your supplies.
7) – ALL STATES CAMP
The All States camp will take place on Tuesday April 2nd and Wednesday April 3rd. The camp briefing will be at 11.00am on Tuesday. The camp is open to all paddlers who are safe to paddle at Bradys. Tickets to the camp can be purchased HERE.
8) – SOCIAL EVENT
Our social event will be a curry night on Friday April 5th. All of the food will be provided but please bring your own utensils and drink. Tickets to this event can be purchased when paying for race entry fees. If you are participating in the All States Camp, your camp fee includes a social event ticket.
Please note: Tickets to the social event for non-paddlers can be purchased HERE or at the same event entry portal for the race or the camp.
9) – WEATHER
Come prepared for everything, hot beating sun or freezing cold snow, it’s the highlands of Tassie. The water in the course will be mild (about 13 degrees) but if it’s 5 degrees and windy you will need thermals and a good long cag when you are on the water.
10) – INTERNET AND MOBILE
Bradys Lake is one of the few places on earth where there is no coverage, occasionally there is a 1 bar flicker. So sit back, relax and enjoy your time in the Tasmanian highlands.
BONUS FACT – MIKE DRUCE
Current Australian Canoe Slalom team selector and former Paddle Australia Canoe Slalom Pathways head coach Mike Druce will be attending during the camp and race and will be running coach development sessions.
