Rapids and Challenges on the Mulgrave River, North Queensland, Australia - Challenge 2 - The "Sharks Tooth"

The Legendary Sharks Tooth

As a possible Grade 3 Rapid on the serene Mulgrave River, the Sharks Tooth strikes fear and anticipation to the unblooded intrepid canoeist.

Once a paddler has completed it after a few times, the paddler gets used to the line to be taken. This rapid alone supplies the chance for the first timer to obtain their second but more heartier challenge. "Let them rise to it" goes out the cry.... Once the kayak team settles into their customary role of running safety, it is on for young and old.

The Sharks Tooth enables the beginner to get a taste of changing track/line mid rapid....and does provide the odd hole if their is sufficient water. If the paddler had not tasted the exercise of mid rapid floating, this is the place to supply it. Being only really 50 metres long, the rapid ride is over fairly quickly....and the rapid opens up into flatwater where the paddl...sorry swimmer is able to take stock of the new surroundings.

Kayakers are able to play in this rapid with a few holes, ferry gliding and eddy play all being accustomed to the Shark's Tooth.

However, for the canoeist, there are some brave souls who do complete the challenge.

Once all gear is accounted for....it is off further down the river to confront only "Melaleuca Corner" and the infamous "Rock Garden" to go until the end of the day.

Remember, when paddling the fabulous natural watercourses of this great country, please do not leave anything except for footprints in the sand, and take nothing but photos and memories....