The 2012 Barron River Challenge (BRC 2012) canoe race is only 13 weeks away.
Whilst Tinaroo dam is still 3m from overflowing – rainfall in the catchment areas below the dam wall have allowed for training/ recon paddles during the last couple of weeks.
Mareeba river height between 1.60 and 1.90 is generally an indication that the river between Mareeba and Bilwon can be paddled safely with intermediate experience.
Two fiberglass Canadians made the trip from Low bridge to Bilwon (rogers road) in 3 hours comfortably on Sunday 29/01 with 1.59 at Mareeba and 1.61 at Bilwon, however it was the fresh from Granite creek which made it possible.
The major creeks along the course also have to be noted as well if you intend to paddle the lower sections below Oak Forest.
The 4 gauges
Tinaroo Dam
Mareeba
Bilwon
Myola
Give the Barron River course heights whilst two further stations ; Clohesy River (joined with Davies Creek ) and Flaggy creek, monitor two other sometimes major inflows which enter before the oak forest rapid and hence only contribute to the Myola station heights.
Quite a few snags are exposed in the upper BRC 12 course. Take note of the logs produced from Yasi in 2011. It is still a worthwhile paddle to get familiar with the BRC 12 section of the race even if the height is just above 1.65 as tricky shutes such as the run into the high rocks can be scouted in relative safety. Take note of the screen captures from the BOM site below.
Just did a 1’30″ paddle with Dave between Mareeba and Biboohra at 1.60 height in Mareeba.
one major new snag jus after leaving Mareeba- tree from river left.
Trialled a new 570 PRS spirit kayak and a proven Wavehopper.
We were very impressed with both craft. The PRS is surpassingly stable and slick.
One major new snag appears just after leaving the hospital area.
The PRS Spirit Kayak- a racing ski design- is surprisingly stable and slick, even in shallow water.
The stainless steel trailing rudder is quite effective at this level.
I can’t wait to trial it at 180 and 190 river height.
Spirit kayaks have come on board as the Sponsor for the BRC 50 in 2012.
A $2000 craft up for random grabs if you complete the big one in < 51/2 hours.
Your random chances increase 3 fold if you enter in March, 2 fold if you enter in April.
Will Blog soon with logos complete.
Other serious random prises for other paddlers are being negotiated- all with higher chances for those who enter early.
Hey Terry, can we race both days?
Yes but you may decide to just paddle as safety for our BRC12 junior race.