The event, which started at Log Wharf, Telegraph Point, involved a 14km course encompassing the Maria River and some tributaries.

A smaller but determined group of paddlers departed the start line and the field stayed closely bunched over the first 4km stretch of river.

At the first turning mark, it was Henderson, in a New Zealand-built F1 multisport kayak, who led from Kevin Newell, Gilbert Olzomer and Andrew Gordon.

Afterwards, the course narrowed down and the paddlers needed to concentrate to avoid the fallen trees and hidden obstacles through this winding section.

At the second turning mark, Newell, who was paddling strongly behind Henderson on his Epic V12, made a crucial navigational error, turning right instead of left, and headed off toward Kundabung.

Several other craft following closely repeated his mistake, and this allowed some paddlers including Paula Stone, Bill Webber and Peter Smith, who were previously placed midfield, to move up and challenge for an outright top three spot.

At the third turning mark, Henderson had opened up a sizeable lead and he paddled the final straight alone to win, while Stone, Webber and Smith stayed together as they sprinted the last 2km toward the finish line.

In the end, it was Stone who claimed a well-deserved second from Webber and Smith.

The craft, who made the wrong turn, finally arrived around the two-hour mark after paddling an extra 5km.

Results:

1 Gary Henderson 1:16.13 (Ruahini Multisport)

2 Paula Stone 1:36.08 (SLSC)

3 Bill Webber 1:36.16 (Spectrum Ski)

4 Peter Smith 1:36.28 (SLSC Interceptor)

5 Elaine Cruse 1:36.59 (K1)

6 Noel Sonter 1:48.52 (TK1)

7 Borger/Osborne/Robards 1:56.45 (Triple Kayak)

8 David Johnston 1:57.11 (SLSC Hayden)

9 Greg Smith 1:58.35 (Ocean Racing Ski)

10 Sandy Montgomery 2:00.11 (EPIC Sea Kayak)

11 Kevin Newell 2:06.02 (Epic V12 Ocean Ski)

12 Andrew Gordon 2:06.02 (SLSC Hayden)

13 Gilbert Olzomer 2:09.02 (SLSC Dolphin)

14 Peter Levitzke 2:10.32 (Sea Kayak)