A full day of canoeing was had by all involved as competitors rowed the 12, 24 or 47km distances to complete the race.

The race starts on the Myall River at Tea Gardens and follows the river through the town before continuing through mangroves and subtropical vegetation through the Myall National Park. The 47km race goes to the top of the river before heading back to Tea Gardens.

The race has been cancelled at the last minute for the last two years because of weather.

The event raises money for the Cure for Life foundation which funds advancements in the treatment of brain cancers, particularly in children, as brain tumours are the most common, life-threatening tumours in children.

This year $4500 was raised to support the cause.

The Myall River Classic started five years ago.

“We used to live in the area and we were paddling around the river one day and decided the race would be a good thing to do,” founding member, Mike Eggleton, said.

The Just Paddlers Club was formed and the event was organised, together with NSW canoeing.

The club now has members from all over the state.

The current president resides in Newcastle, the secretary in Nabiac and other members are in Sydney.