New expedition kayak event to descend the clutha river from Wanaka to Pacific Ocean

Entries are now open to pairs and teams of three or four who will kayak a distance of approximately 260km, over four stages, travelling from Wanaka and finishing at the Pacific Ocean on the east coast of New Zealand.

 

Wild Descent, presented by 100% PURE Racing (the organisers of the GODZone adventure race), is a new multi-day, expedition-style kayak race that will be held between the 17th and 20th January, 2013.

Teams and pairs will be expected to kayak in a variety of challenging conditions from long sections of white water, through narrow gorges, to slower moving hydro dam-created lakes. The route will be demanding physically, testing teams in many different ways, but will create a huge sense of achievement to those who complete the distance, all within a social format.

Event organiser, Adam Fairmaid, says that the event is unique in New Zealand and should appeal to a wide variety of participants.

“Wild Descent is part adventure, part expedition, part race. Those who take on the challenge are free to decide what it means to them. Some will want to win the Wild Descent Trophy and be first team to see the Pacific Ocean; others will see it as a unique opportunity to travel the length of one of New Zealand’s most spectacular rivers at their own pace.”

All participants in Wild Descent will be required to carry camping equipment and supplies in their kayaks. At the end of each stage of paddling, teams and pairs will set up camp by the river at the same location where they will be free to relax and talk about their day of adventure.

One of the other unique aspects of Wild Descent is that kayaks will be provided for all participants, removing the stress of transporting them to the start and finish. The event will use the highly regarded AR Duo’s, manufactured by Barracuda in New Zealand, that were a big success in the GODZone adventure race held earlier this year. Adam Fairmaid is delighted that Barracuda are supporting the event. “The Duo’s are a perfect kayak for the event in that they are fun, fast, allow ample gear to be stored for an expedition and provide a safe platform for a challenging river like the Clutha.”

To find out more information about Wild Descent and to enter please visit www.wilddescent.com

About Wild Descent
Wild Descent is an annual event that will explore New Zealand’s most spectacular waterways. Each year the event will explore a new venue using the expedition race format. The Clutha River is the destination of the first event.

Basic Facts:

  Start:   Lake Wanaka, Otago  
  Finish:   Molyneux Bay, Pacific Ocean  
  Date:   17-20th January  
  Duration:   3.5 days  
  Distance:   260km (approx)  
  Stages:   4 (65km, 75km, 77km, 44km)  
  Classes:   Pairs and Teams (Male, Female, Mixed)  
  Format:   Unsupported (no support crew needed) 

For event enquiries please contact:
Paula Kay Rogers
Mobile: 027 221 9454 (international +64 27 221 9454)
Address: 100% Pure Racing, PO Box 1600, Queenstown, New Zealand, 9348
Email: admin@wilddescent.com