The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2025: An Event to Remember

The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic is a 111 kilometre marathon canoe race down the beautiful Hawkesbury River in Australia. It is not only an endurance event, but also an outstanding fundraiser, having raised over $4.5 million for medical research since its inception 46 years ago.

Arrow has had the privilege of being the major benefiting charity for 32 of those years, and we were so excited to see a surge in competitors this year. Over 200 paddlers took to the course this year, raising more than $100,000.

The Start Line Buzz

The energy at the start line of the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2025 was electric, full of excitement and nerves. Among the buzzing crew of 219 paddlers, was a strong team of supporters and volunteers. Over 350 volunteers supported the Classic this year, both on the land and in the water, to ensure the event was safe and successful.

Paddlers came from near and far, each with their own reasons for taking on the challenge. Some were there to set themselves a personal challenge, some to break a record, and others were paddling in honour of loved ones. It was especially exciting to see so many first time paddlers to the event, alongside seasoned veterans, some of whom have completed more than 20 times. Ages ranged from 18 years to 80 years old, all showing remarkable courage and determination.

Before setting off, paddlers attended a safety briefing including a presentation by Arrow board member Yvonne Panek-Hudson, who congratulated them and shared the impact of their fundraising on stem cell transplant patients, a cause close to her heart as a BMT Nurse Practitioner.

She highlighted the incredible contribution of the Classic to medical research, including the latest Hawkesbury Canoe Classic PhD scholarship recipient, Michael Ashby, who is researching ways to prevent relapse of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) following a bone marrow transplant.

The Paddle

This year’s race threw everything at the paddlers – near 40 degree heat at the start line at Windsor, to high winds along the course, rain and hail at times and then choppy conditions towards the end of the 111 kilometre course.

Friends and family from around the world, keenly tracked paddlers over GPS, with over 3,000 people following the race live. This wonderful technology enabled spectators to come along for the ride, adding an extra layer of safety and excitement to the event.

From midnight to the early hours of the morning, paddlers crossed the finish line, breaking several race records. Times ranged from 8 hours to 15 hours, but every participant, no matter their time or distance, achieved something extraordinary.

The camaraderie was fantastic, with wonderful stories told of people helping each other out, and lifelong friendships formed along the river.

Inspiring paddlers

Among the inspiring paddlers, were two very special participants, well known to Arrow.

Courtney Hughes

Courtney Hughes, has had not one but two stem cell transplants and has a remarkable story to tell. Courtney set herself the challenge of completing the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic in support of Arrow and in honour of a friend she met in hospital, who sadly did not make it through her stem cell transplant.

Courney completed the Myall Classic (27 kilometres) months earlier in preparation for the event, but nonetheless was a bundle of nerves at the start line prior to the event. Strongly supported by her family and wonderful partner Jimmy, Courtney had stuck photos to her canoe of her family and her friend that had passed, to motivate her during the difficult times in the paddle throughout the night.

Courtney described the event as an opportunity to “paddle and heal”. There were difficult times throughout the night as Courtney felt herself become more delirious as the hours went on. But in the early hours of the morning, Courtney arrived to the finish line at Brooklyn much to the delight and pride of everyone involved in the event.

Despite the event being a ‘wild ride’, Courtney is committed to doing it again, saying “It tested me, but lets be real, I’m a sucker for punishment!”

And on top of completing the event, Courtney was also awarded the highest fundraiser, raising over $6,500. A truly extraordinary achievement!

Rhys Hibbert

At just 18 years old, Rhys was the youngest paddler in this year’s event. Diagnosed with leukaemia as a child, Rhys had his own personal story and motivation for completing the Classic.

Rhys is an inspirational and determined young man, having completed his HSC exams just 3 days before the race. Rhys did the challenge with his Dad Laurence last year, and was disappointed not to have completed the full course. This year he was determined to make it all the way.

At the start line, Rhys was revved up and ready to go, exclaiming, “Lets go!” as he took his canoe to the water. This year Rhys had a brand new bright red canoe, gifted to him for his 18th birthday, with the promise of being a lot faster than his canoe the year before.

With anticipation, we tracked Rhys overnight, urging him on to reach his goal, and 14 hours and 41 minutes later that is what he did, arriving with pride at the finish line. No rest for the wicked, Rhys then backed up the event with a friend’s party that evening!

Congratulations to everyone

A special thanks goes to the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic organising committee including Kent Heazlett, Mark O’Hara, John Duffy, Doug Rosser and President Rob Cook, for their coordination of this extraordinary event.

With over 350 volunteers supporting the race, it is certainly a case of many hands made light work. As Race Organiser, Kent Hazelett said “If ever there was an example of what can be achieved by people working together, the Classic is it in a nutshell.”

The Classic is more than just a race, it is a celebration of fundraising, community and perseverance. We are incredibly grateful to the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic Committee, and every paddler, supporter and volunteer who helped make it happen.

Pictured from L to R – Yvonne Panek-Hudson (Arrow Director), Richelle Koller (Arrow CEO), Rob Cook (HCC President), Kent Heazlett (HCC), Kags Garrard (Arrow Fundraising Manager), Mark O’Hara (HCC), John Duffy (HCC) and Doug Rosser (HCC).

Save the Date – Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2026

Save the date for next years event – 24th and 25th October 2026.

There is something for everyone with varying distances and all different types of watercraft eligible to participate in the event including kayaks, canoes, ocean racing skis, dragon boats and multi paddler outriggers.

You can take on the:

• 31 km Windsor to Sackville sprint – a fun introduction to the Classic
• 65 km Windsor to Wisemans Ferry dash – tough but achievable
• 111 km Windsor to Mooney Mooney – competitive or non competitive

If you ever thought about doing it, this is your year! It is an experience you won’t forget.

For more information visit the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic.