Kayak for Kids is an exciting charity event on Sydney Harbour that raises funds for Lifestart, an Early Childhood Intervention Service that helps kids with intellectual disabilities or developmental delays aged from birth to school age achieve the best possible start in life. It is a paddle challenge from Blues Point to Clontarf a distance of 17.5 km that allows nearly everyone to join in.
HOW
First, the course is broken up into 4 stages. Second, included in the teams entry fee is the hire of a 3-person kayak and equipment for participants who are not regular paddlers and who do not own a kayak. This means teams of up to 12 people can enter, where each person only has to paddle one stage of the course. With each stage being around 4.5 km, as long as you are reasonably fit, you can participate. It is the perfect event for groups of friends, company groups or social groups to join in to.
But theres also challenges for the seasoned paddler who owns his or her own craft, whether a surf ski, sea kayak or outrigger! The challenge is open to solo and double craft and, as well as the regular competitive categories, Kayak for Kids will be part of the inaugural PaddleNSW Harbour Racing Series of time trials over the summer months.
Event Ambassador for the second year is former Olympic kayaker Shelley Oates-Taylor, who will be paddling with her 13-year old son Kai.