Hawkesbury Canoe Classic

Each year Drummond and Smith College and Duval College students participate in the 111km fundraiser paddle known as the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic. It is an incredibly rewarding experience for all involved students. For each paddler we also send a land crew member who will look after them, keep them well fed and warm and keep up moral. The paddle goes through the night and into the next day and uses every ounce of energy from each paddler. The land crew follow down the river providing drink and rest stops and support. Months of preparation and fundraising events lead up to the race in October or November each year. It is a tradition of which we are most proud.

"The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic was a great opportunity to try something new and to challenge myself. It was a great chance to spend time with friends and to meet people from another college. There were plenty of people on the river to talk to which made the time pass quickly. Some of the other boats had dogs travelling with them and music playing which made the paddle more enjoyable. The weekend paddles leading up to the HCC were great weekends away with some time spent at the beach.

Looking back on the whole HCC experience it was hard work but very rewarding, knowing that you had achieved something special and helped a charity. It is something that everyone should try either as land crew or paddling." - Keren, D&S Academic Mentor 2008.