Geoff Helisma | Records were broken at the Clarence 100 – a 100 kilometre-long paddle from Copmanhurst to Yamba over three days. Event coordinator Ben Sullivan said the Gold Coast’s Mick Herden, who represents Australian Paddler HQ set a new record in a narrow victory over Gavin Cook from the Brisbane Paddling Club. “Former Olympian paddler Denise Cooper won the event for third year in a row and set a new woman’s record,” Mr Sullivan said. The first day of the paddle enjoyed “the run of river due” to the wet conditions that preceded the event. “There was quite a bit of flow for the first stage,” he said. Seventy-two paddlers participated in the event and 58 completed all three stages. “It was most competitors we’ve had since it started in 2015,” Mr Sullivan said. “By all accounts everyone was elated with the event – and it compares as one of best paddles in Australia. “We’re confident numbers will grow next year and people will come back because of its unique format. Each morning competitors paddled a section of the river, then had the afternoons off to rest and enjoy the local hospitality provided by hotels and eateries along the river. “It’s a diverse landscape from Copmanhurst to Yamba, and such a large river, plus we have a pub at every stop,” he said. Mr Sullivan, originally from Grafton and now living and working in Sydney, said the C100 started as a social paddle for a few locals in 2015. The Clarence 100 is part of Clarence Valley Council’s sports tourism strategy.