Classic Paddle 2026
October 18 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Race Information
The 2026 Classic Paddle is a 13km Race starting from Deep Water Point, Mount Pleasant through to Gilbert Fraser Reserve, North Fremantle. What makes this event stand out from other marathons is the Dash for Cash, where $300 is awarded to the first female and male paddler in a single craft (S1/K1) to reach canning bridge.
A special thank you to Royal Life Saving Western Australia for sponsoring this year’s Dash for Cash.
Schedule
Check-In Open: 7.00 – 8.00am
Briefing/Welcome: 8.00 – 8.15am
Race Start 8.30 – 8.40am.
Presentations: 11:00am or earlier if possible
Course Map
Course Info:
- Boat traffic – Competitors MUST give way to commercial vessels and pleasure craft and to stay to the right hand side of the river as best as possible
- Wash-riding – No washriding by any craft on powerboats, the water referees will be taking numbers of the craft breaking the rule and that craft will be disqualified from the race.
- No Portage – There is no portage at Point Walter for any craft. Paddlers are not allowed to cross the spit and they must paddle around it. It is shallow around the sand spit bar and care should be taken to avoid rudder damage.
- Cutting the course – Heading towards the finishline, no cutting through Aquarama Marina or Swan Yacht Club. Any competitor found cutting through will be disqualified.
- All paddlers must finish between the orange buoy and the bank – Dragon boats, OCs and surf boats must finish to the LEFT of the orange buoy.
Classes
This race is organised according to ICF rules so enter the age category you are on the 31st December 2026.
Categories require 3 craft entrants in order to form a class. Race organisers reserve the right to combine craft to consolidate entries to form a class. Open class will be constituted first in each craft class, and classes constituted by age thereafter. If you are unsure of your category, enter as Sundry and email admin@paddlewa.asn.au providing your craft, gender and age.
Note: LP – long plastic skis; S1 – composite surf skis.
For any variation of teamboats; outriggers, double skis, dragon boats, all paddlers must register individually.
Safety
Life jackets are not compulsory for this race, however are recommended as the Perth open waters can be challenging in windy conditions. Please ensure your craft has sufficient buoyancy in the event of capsize
Withdrawing – Please ensure that you contact a race official should you need to withdraw during the race. If you cannot contact an official please call Paddle WA at (08) 9285 8502 who will ensure that race officials are informed.
First Aid posts are located at the finish line as well as safety boats with volunteers and spotters around the course. If someone is in difficult you must give assistance.
Royal Life Saving and the Dash for Cash
A special thank you to Royal Life Saving Western Australia for sponsoring the Dash for Cash.
For over 130 years, the Royal Life Saving has been working to bring people together to eliminate drowning and empower communities to be safe around water.
Whether you’re paddling on the water or enjoying a day next to it, emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Having the skills and confidence to respond with first aid and CPR can make all the difference.
Proud Dash for Cash sponsor Royal Life Saving WA encourages everyone to be prepared when it matters most.
Be ready to respond. Enrol in a First Aid course with Royal Life Saving WA today.
Royal Life Saving Western Australia and Paddle WA collaborate to build pathways from learn to swim to aquatic sports and support the delivery of safe aquatic places and spaces.
