For 2026, Mountain Designs Hells Bells 24hr Adventure Race will start and finish on the foreshore at Mudjimba on the Sunshine Coast — and we’re opening the race with something special.
Ocean kayaking has long been part of the world’s great adventure races.
Now it’s coming to Hells Bells.
Teams will have the option to take on a pro-level opening leg featuring an ocean paddle start, launching straight from the beach. Conditions pending, this may include a beach landing to complete the leg — a proper adventure race beginning.
Teams choosing this option must be confident in:
• ocean paddling conditions
• swimming 50 metres
• completing a deep-water kayak re-entry
Teams can complete this opening leg using single or double:
• sea kayaks
• sit-on-top kayaks
• surf skis or ocean skis
Sit-in kayaks must include spray decks.
Teams may also use Wild&Co supplied kayaks (as used successfully in previous GeoQuest and Buckleys ocean stages), however availability is limited — teams bringing their own craft are unrestricted.
Prefer to stay off the ocean?
No problem. A standard opening leg option for the full course will also be available. Either way, the adventure starts the moment the clock begins.
KEY DETAILS
Date: 8-9 August 2026
Location: Mudjimba, Sunshine Coast, Qld, Australia
Duration: 24 hour event, full and half course
Entries: Open Now!
Early Bird: Ends 30 April 2026
Team size: 2 person, 4 person
