The fifth annual King of the River Extreme Kayak Race took place on Sunday, August 10, along the wild waters of the Mitchell River, drawing paddlers from across Victoria and beyond.
A great weekend had by all those staying at Echo Bend Camping Park, Glenaladale the major hosts of the event over the weekend.
The weather was just perfect, the water levels ideal.
People arrived Friday to prepare themselves and give time to relax in the tranquility bush setting.
The race was preceded on the Saturday by a run down the river from Den of Nargun.
In the evening back at the camp a social barbecue was enjoyed with some fun games to relax, get to know each other, finishing off sitting by the camp fire roasted marshmallows.
There were more than 50 attendees, with many running the rapid in search of both glory and the crown of the river.
The racing and spectating was exciting for all.
Participants had to navigate the rapids from top to bottom (about 250m) in a head-to-head heart, semi final and then final to win the overall crown.
There were lots of competitors from masters through to the under 14 junior competitors testing their skills against this mighty rapid.
The event attracts many sponsors including major kayak brand EXO kayaks, and accessories brands Sea to Summit, Electric Water, CanoesPlus, Liquidlife, Lattitude Kayaks, Bax Gear, Werner and of course Echo Bend Camping Park.
The King of the River was more than just a race – it was a celebration of community, nature and the thrill of the river.
