A notable paddlers race on the River Derwent, the 'Two Bridges' race sees kayakers travel from the Tasman Bridge to the Bowen Bridge, before returning to the finish line alongside the Royal Hobart Regatta grounds.

Totalling 15 kilometres this event is perfect for seasoned/ experience paddlers and boasts a hardy prize pool.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Watercraft shall be positioned in such a way that the bows are on the starting line. All craft must be as stationary as possible. Craft may be held at the stern to assist.

Wherever possible all craft in a class shall line up at the starting line and use the stationary start. An alternate staggered start may be used in the event a stationery start is impossible or impracticable owing to lack of space, a large volume of craft or undesirable water/ weather conditions.

The classes shall start in descending order from fastest to slowest as determined by the Competition Committee. All competitors shall be called to the water at least ten minutes before the scheduled start.

Paddlers to enter the water from the Southern boat ramp only
The warm up area is between the boat ramp and Macquarie Wharf
It it is the responsibility of the paddler to be at the start of the event 10 minutes early
The starting line shall be indicated by a red buoy and/ or flag near Macquarie Wharf and the end of the pontoon

PRIZE MONEY

$2800 accross all categories

AGED CATEGORIES

Under 35
35 to 50
Over 50

NAVIGATION

Paddlers are to travel east when clearing the jetty, proceed around the southern end of the rowing finish-line boat, and then continue in a northerly direction, staying well clear of the rowing course (approximately the first five bridge pylons)
Paddlers are to pass under the Tasman Bridge, using the span immediately to the left of the main and city-side secondary navigation spans.
Paddlers are to then proceed north to the Bowen Bridge, where they must pass to the left of the second pylon from the eastern shore before circling back beneath the bridge and returning toward the Regatta Grounds.

COMPLETION

A competitor shall be determined to have completed the race when the bow of the canoe or kayak with the competitor/s has passed the line between the flags
In the event two crafts cross the line equally they shall both receive the same classification
Upon completion of the race competitors are asked to paddle adjacent the jetty to assist timing staff
Competitors are required to stay downstream of the finish line upon completion'

CONTACT

Geoff Lucas
0417 352 264
geoff.lucas@royalhobartregatta.com

Entrants will be notified ahead of the event regarding detailed race instructions.

Contact the host of 2026 Valhalla - Two Bridges Kayak Race