365 things to do in Wagga #38 – Gumi Gumi Gumi
If you’re not from Wagga Wagga, then you’re probably wondering about the Gumi Race. To start with, I’ll clarify it has nothing to do with gardening, and most certainly does not refer to the Gumi of eastern Asia, as pretty as the shrub may be. Nor does it relate to Gumi, the second largest city in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea.
In this case, it refers to rubber, the thick black inner tube kind, hence the name ‘Gumi’ which in pigeon English translates to ‘rubber’, as in Bilong Taia or inner tube.
The Gumi Race (pronounced goom-i), is a once a year spectacular held on the Murrumbidgee River, where contestants race each other down stream in ‘boats’ constructed primarily of inner tubes.
The first Gumi Race was held in February 1976 with sixteen craft taking part. Its success resulted in the race becoming Wagga’s biggest annual one day event, with up to 1000 crafts participating each year.
The idea came from a Central Lions Club member who had seen similar Gumi Races down the mountain rivers of Papua New Guinea. This was an event that brought the community together that with careful planning could easily be replicated in Wagga, something which at the time, had never been seen before.
Although the infamous race went on a 15-year hiatus in 1996 due to insurance, environment and health and safety issues, it was brought back last year, and promises to be bigger and better this time round.
Somewhat shorter than the original distance, this year’s Gumi Race starts at the Eunony Bridge Reserve and finishes 7km downstream at Wagga Beach, where a celebratory barbeque and fun-fair will welcome all competitors and spectators.
Kicking off at 10am on Sunday February 26, 2012, the event will start with the world champion junior team race, followed by the world champion open team race, business house challenge, defence force challenge, family fun event and odd bods challenge, finishing with presentations for the winners of each category.
Everyone is encouraged to come down on the day for a fun-filled family event. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to summer.
Have a look at some old footage of the event here. It provides a great example of the creativity and innovative designs that have been constructed over the years as part of the event.
Some great photos by The Daily Advertiser (including the image above) from last year’s event can be found here.
For more information on the 2012 Gumi Race including how to register for the event, visit http://www.waggagumi.com.au/
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