Australia’s Premier Paddling Celebration, The F.O.C.K., Makes Waves in Kangaroo Valley

KANGAROO VALLEY, NSW – The F.O.C.K.: Festival of Canoe and Kayak, Australia’s premier recreational paddling event, concluded its three-day celebration on Sunday, drawing paddling enthusiasts from all over the country to Kangaroo Valley for a weekend of community spirit, adventure, and fun. Despite the wet weather in surrounding areas, the festival venue remained vibrant with energy, as attendees gathered from August 8 to 10 to partake in paddling activities and unique events.

The festival, renowned for showcasing Australia’s best paddling culture, featured a bold world record attempt for the longest line of paddle-propelled watercraft. While the attempt narrowly missed its mark, Festival Director Dylan Jones remarked with good humour, “We’ll call it a ‘near-record.’ Getting a thousand canoes to line up perfectly is a bit like herding wet cats, but we had a blast trying!”

Among the weekend's highlights was a powerful cultural corroboree presented by local Aboriginal company Gadhungal Marring, which celebrated the rich heritage of the area. Another crowd favourite was the inaugural “canoeber-toss,” a fun twist on the Scottish caber toss, where participants threw canoes for sport and laughter. Young attendees also had the chance to express their creativity with a canoe painting activity, led by social enterprise Eden Canoes, which added a colourful legacy to the event.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Dylan Jones expressed his appreciation for the support of the community: “It’s great to be a part of Kangaroo Valley, where we consistently punch above our weight in hosting unique and innovative events. We’re so grateful for the overwhelming support from our sponsors, partners, and the community—too many to mention by name!”

Natalie Harker from The Kangaroo Valley Chamber of Commerce and Tourism shared similar sentiments: “It was a joy to see paddlers from all walks of life bringing their canoes, kayaks, and paddle-craft to this incredible location. The festival drew many interstate travellers, and it was fantastic to watch everyone enjoying the outdoors together. It was a weekend to remember.”

Outdoors NSW & ACT congratulates the organisers of The F.O.C.K. for delivering such a successful event. As an organisation committed to promoting outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyles, they believe that events like The F.O.C.K. are crucial for fostering stronger communities. "More people getting outdoors not only boosts physical health but also supports mental wellbeing. The positive impact on our local communities, as seen in Kangaroo Valley, is a testament to the power of outdoor engagement" said Lori Modde, CEO.

The F.O.C.K. continues to solidify Kangaroo Valley’s reputation as the Canoeing Capital of Australia, proving that a shared passion for paddling and a strong sense of community can overcome any challenge.

About The F.O.C.K.: Festival of Canoe and KayakThe F.O.C.K. is Australia's leading recreational paddling festival, celebrating paddling culture and community. As a family-friendly event, it promotes safe and environmentally sustainable paddling practices. Recognised with a Commended Award at the 2022 NSW Tourism Awards and as a Finalist in 2023, the festival was also a finalist in the 2024 Australian Sport, Recreation, and Play Innovation Awards. For more information, visit thefock.com.au or follow on social media: facebook.com/fock.kv and instagram.com/fock.kv.