KING OF THE FLING 2026
King of the Fling - August 16, 2026- NEW DATES SET FOR THIS YEAR
5th Annual Race and BBQ
King Of The River Extreme Sprint Race - Prizes and bragging rights to be won.
Junior and Senior Categories, Masters and Packraft
Lots of Prizes - Plastic boat, Packraft, Open and Junior Categories
The King of the River / King of the Fling is an annual whitewater kayaking event held in Victoria that combines competitive racing with a highly inclusive and community-focused atmosphere. Designed to encourage participation from paddlers of all experience levels, the event emphasises accessible sprint racing rather than elite-only competition.¹²
The competition centres on short-course, head-to-head races where paddlers launch from the top of a designated rapid and race downstream through a series of heats, semi-finals, and finals. This format provides an exciting spectator experience while allowing competitors to develop their racing and river-running skills.¹²
Unlike traditional slalom competitions, King of the River is designed for everyday whitewater paddlers. Competitors race in standard plastic creek boats, making the event more accessible and representative of real-world river paddling.¹² The event caters to a wide range of paddlers through multiple divisions, including junior, open, and masters categories. This structure enables participants of varying ages and experience levels to compete in an appropriate and supportive environment.¹²
Pre-race clinics are commonly offered to help participants improve race lines, river-reading skills, and whitewater techniques under the guidance of experienced paddlers and coaches.²
Community and Festival Atmosphere
More than just a race, King of the River is recognised as a social paddling festival. The weekend typically includes camping, informal skills sessions, safety demonstrations, shared meals, and opportunities for paddlers from across the region to connect and celebrate the whitewater community.¹²
The event successfully combines competitive paddling, skills development, and community engagement, making it one of Victoria's most accessible and enjoyable whitewater kayaking gatherings.¹²
References
King of the River Race, Melbourne University Mountaineering Club (MUMC), event description and race format.
Event information and paddling community resources relating to King River whitewater racing and clinics.
Sponsors - EXO kayaks, ECHO BEND CAMPING PARK, VAIKOBI, CANOES PLUS, LIQUIDLIFE, KOKOTAT, WERNER PADDLES, BAX GEAR,
JACKSON KAYAKS, WATERSHED, ELECTRIC WATER