SPORTS and RECREATION IN PENRITH VALLEY

Penrith Whitewater Stadium

Penrith Whitewater Stadium Address: Gate E, McCarthys Lane (off Castlereagh Road), Penrith
Phone: 02 4730 4333

Squeezing into a wetsuit is the first challenge of the afternoon! A startlingly blue helmet, canary-yellow life jacket and trainers complete the 'water-ensemble'. We look and waddle like walrus, minus the tusks, and with yellow flippers. At the water's edge we receive lessons in whitewater etiquette. As the guide explains the golden rule ("Do NOT take your hand off the T-grip"), doubt creeps in . . . Maybe this is a mistake . . .

Climbing into a large rubber raft gracefully is not going to happen - a wetsuit constricts leg-lifting. Seated, we're coached on the finer points. A few tries at "paddle forward, paddle backward, lean right, lean left, etc" and we're ready - our "superteam" (of six). The guide positions the raft into the electric lift. Slowly we move uphill without effort or paddling. Once at the top, we're quickly into fast-moving water.

The first drop is a stunner, and listening to the guide's instructions becomes paramount - "forward three strokes, forward four strokes. Get those paddles in the water - you're paddling air!"

The second drop is much steeper and we're dodging rock-like obstacles, really big things! Falling out is truly a possibility! A cascade of water hits our bodies forcefully, and fills the raft: water, water everywhere! Oh, the marvel of a wetsuit - teammates without are soaked! Screams and nervous laughter are cut short - we're headed for a steeper descent! White rapids swirl around us, waves toss the raft, water swamps our ankles - now it's white-knuckle fear! The raft must be out of our control, but the guide's voice is relaxed, calm . . .

The raft drops into calm water. Just seconds though the roughest rapids; a lifetime of exhilaration. Everyone ready for the next round?

This is an adventure sport, not for the timid, but one of our four-star recommendations . . . We'd have a go again!

Located in Penrith on McCarthys Lane (off Castlereagh/Cranebrook Road), the whitewater kayaking and rafting Centre is part of an international sporting complex built for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Set in dramatic surroundings with lakes, islands and the Blue Mountains in the distance, this is a high-volume, high-effort activity!

Another 4-Star recommendation.

 
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