Festival of Canoe and Kayak (FOCK) is the first outdoor adventure festival of its kind in Australia. The
inaugural launch of the festival will be held in Kangaroo Valley Gangurang NSW from 17 to 19 June.
FOCK is a chance for outdoor enthusiasts to come together in the canoe capital of Australia and
share their passion for paddling with friends and family. thefock.com.au
The festival, held over three days, launches at the stunning property Wildwood on the banks of the
Kangaroo River. Locally owned indigenous company Gadhungal Murring will welcome visitors to
Gangurang country followed by guest speakers from the ground-breaking Eden Canoes film that was
featured at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival. The evening includes a light dinner of locally
made hearty soups and breads, sourced from local produce.
On Saturday paddlers young and old will launch their canoes and kayaks from Bendeela
campgrounds into a fun-packed program, including the family-friendly canoe scavenger hunt and the
women’s paddling event. If you don’t have your own vessel or have never even paddled before, you
will be able to hire a canoe and have the chance to take a paddling lesson from the very best
instructors in a safe and supportive environment. Stock up at the FOCK on a wide array of canoes,
kayaks, SUPs, sit ontops, pack rafts and more on display and available for purchase – including the
southern hemisphere’s largest range of canoe models from Paddle and Portage.
In the afternoon it’s time to frock up at the FOCK in what is sure to become the most popular event
of the festival, the Black-Tie Paddle. Paddlers are encouraged to put on their formal best, dust off
the tux and the graduation dress and take to the water in style. For the most adventurous Fockers
stay overnight at The Grand Canoe Campout at Bendeela campgrounds, or at one of the many
remote camps along Lake Yarrunga campgrounds. For those who love adventure but still enjoy some
creature comforts, Kangaroo Valley hosts some of the most gorgeous holiday homes on the south
coast.
On the final day of FOCK it is time to rock. There will live music on a floating stage that’s only
viewable from a canoe or kayak. Then join the line-up when the FOCK will make the first attempt at
a world record for the most canoes and kayaks in a line, they have 21km of river to fill. How far will
they get?!
Festival director Dylan Jones from Valley Outdoors says “The plan for the FOCK is to establish a
festival that aligns with the Winter Solstice (21 June) and International Canoe Day (26 June). We
already have a range of sponsors and support from lots of local operators along with Outdoors NSW
and ACT, Take 3 for the Sea, Shoalhaven Tourism, Kangaroo Valley Chamber of Tourism & Commerce
and more. They are all keen to get this happening in a short turnaround time to align with the ‘We’re
open and worth the drive’ campaign that is currently trying to get visitors to return to Kangaroo
Valley despite road and venue closures after the recent flood events.”
The Gangurang, the original name for Kangaroo Valley, is Australia’s most scenic flatwater paddling
venue and the canoeing capital of Australia. Paddling has deep roots in Australia, from Aboriginal
nawis, to modern Olympians like Jessica Fox, and is an inclusive, environmentally friendly and social
activity everyone can enjoy.
Flock to the FOCK for a weekend of fun, adventure and more. For tickets, camping and
accommodation bookings and more information visit the official website thefock.com.au .
For media enquiries, including specific image requests and interviews, please contact:
Dylan Jones, Festival Director on 0408 912 102 or what@thefock.com.au
