2024 Marathon Series
Calendar
Links
- Marathon Series results (via webscorer)
- PNSW 2023 Rules (updated Dec 2022)
- LCRK Marathon Photos on Flickr
- PNSW Marathon Photos on Flickr
- 2023 Marathon Series - LCRK Reports
- 2022 Marathon Series - LCRK Reports
- 2021 Marathon Series - LCRK Reports
- 2020 Marathon Series - LCRK Reports
- 2019 Marathon Series - LCRK Reports
- 2018 Marathon Series - LCRK Reports
- 2017 Marathon Series - LCRK Reports
- 2016 Marathon Series - LCRK Reports
- 2015 Marathon Series - LCRK Reports
Round #7 - Swallow Rock - 24 Aug
- Results (via webscorer)
- 150+ LCRK Flickr pix
- 300+ PNSW Flickr pix (broader coverage, all paddlers)
- Series Standings for individual paddlers (via webscorer)
Location: Swallow Rock Reserve, Grays Point, Australia The Division 5 field saw four Lane Cove paddlers take on the double from Burley Griffin that had won the lions share of the races, and the Makai paddler who should have won a couple. Many strategies to beat the double have been tried, but failed.
REPORT (Div 4) by Pauline Findlay
I have always loved paddling the NSW marathon series. Over the many years of participating, I have competed in many divisions both in my single and in doubles. This year saw me compete in division 4 in five out of seven races and win the division on a point score of 477.
I raced at Windsor, Lane Cove, Davistown, Woronora and Swallow Rock at Grays Point. Windsor, Davistown and Swallow Rock offer great portaging practise and although I am not the fastest paddler in Div 4, I enjoy the challenge of portaging. It would be great to see more people give portaging a go! There is a knack to it and after paddling with Darren Lee in Div 1 last year, I was able to improve my portaging skills somewhat.
I enjoy Windsor – always warm, sunny weather and being one of the first races in the series, it’s great to catch up with paddling friends after the summer holiday break. In between Windsor and Lane Cove, I competed in Canberra at the state titles and down in Encounter Bay S.A for the Nationals.
Lane Cove Marathon, my home club, produced a magic day of sunshine and warm weather at the end of April and was certainly a challenge in my K1, when paddling out from Figtree bridge, saw many large power boats also enjoying the warm conditions. I remained focused and managed to perfect my flat paddling as my boat bounced through large waves coming from all directions. I was happy to finish without falling in as this was my first experience at paddling in the Lane Cove marathon in my K1 (Lane Cove was known as the doubles round, so I had always paddled this marathon with a partner).
When I think of Davistown, I think of the ferry ploughing through the paddlers leaving behind a wash large enough for even the most experienced paddlers to wrestle against. I think I was lucky and really, between the rain squalls and the wind chop, I just didn’t notice the ferry wash! Mark Moro and I paddled the last leg together, pushing each other towards the finish line.
Woronora was certainly a challenge for me as I had just recovered from surgery and was not paddle fit to complete 20km. I fell in when my blade hit a shallow section around the island, but I finished the race – slowly and in cold, wet conditions.
Swallow Rock completed the series on the beautiful Port Hacking River surrounded by the Royal National Park. The Swallow Rock marathon day produced magic weather and a great course which included a portage area of 150 metres.
I will continue to paddle the 20km distance while I am still able to and with a little more strength and fitness (I need to retire from full time work) I will look forward to working a bit harder next year to stay in Division 4 and pursue new challenges.
Thank you to all our NSW clubs for putting on great paddling events every year!
REPORT (Div 5)
Not necessarily by design, Wade, Cassie, Chris and Thommy lined up next to each other on the left hand side of the course, leaving the double and another big threat to the other end of the start line.
“We’re at the wrong end”, given where the threat was going to come from.” No, we’ll be right” was Cassie’s response. In hindsight, it was an indication of Cass’ mindset.
Cass leapt off the line. Wade dropped into Cass’ left wash, Chris was on the right, and Thommy on Chris’ wash. Cass’ pace was quicker than any start to Div 5 this year. It was a really assertive start. The pace was on the left – not the right.
In his first Div 5, Wade looked really comfortable, occasionally coming forward. Thommy had barely paddled for the last few months, but here he was up front. To beat the double, working together was a good idea.
Wade and Cass had a great first turn. Thommy and Chris got caught in the shallows, thwarting their strategy to push forward into the turn. The race strategy immediately changed to one of working in pairs. There were now three pairs.
Cass and Wade were paddling a very brave race. They’d gone out hard. The gap after the first lap was significant. Doubtless Wade would have stayed up front, but was doing portages. Cass was now on her own. She was also lengthening the lead.
Now joined by the freshly portaged Wade, the double and other single had caught up with Thommy and Chris. About 30 seconds after passing the start finish line, the gun went off for Div 10. Their fresh arms meant they were onto all bar Cassie really quickly. The large group, throwing out chop and wash. Some did better than others at dealing with the chop. Nobody got a ride but the more solid double was up into second.
Into lap three, Chris felt like crap, with no energy. Last place and going backwards. Meantime, Cass was having her best race ever. Every turn saw her holding the double a good distance behind. Wade was also paddling really well, retaking third spot from the Makai paddler, putting in a big effort for the rest of the lap trying to catch up to the double just ahead about 30m.Thommy was digging really deep. Fatigued but still managing to call out to every Lane Cove paddler passing in either direction.
Last lap. The double was catching Cass, who’d done 15 km plus solo. It was going to be a close thing. The help of another double’s wash nearby to Cass could see her take a huge win. Approaching the bottom mark, strong side chop and large waves from a passing boat separated the two boats - the double being able to hold its line whereas Cassie’s K1 had to surf the waves to the right to stay upright. At the bottom turn, Cassie was just behind but sneaking in the inside of the large turning circle of the double.
Wade was just “beginning to feel the pinch from a lack of racing recently” but also the big efforts of portage and catching the double.
Chris had worked past Wade and caught the 3rd placed Makai paddler with 4 km to go. “I knew he’d be strong in the chop at the bottom end of the course. I Just thought bugger it, I have to go now. To my surprise, he didn’t respond. That kind of gave me a bit more energy”
Thommy was struggling physically and was managing his heart rate so was off his best pace by lap four, but preserved incredibly impressively.
With less than 1.5km to go, it was going to be a sprint to the finish, for Cass that was, until another large boat passed meters from the pair creating significant waves. Cassie’s K1 slapped over the top of the waves and managed to stay on course, but the stability and weight of the double was too much of an advantage in those conditions and the double pulled ahead, finishing a couple of boat lengths ahead
Over the line, the BG double crossed in first, Cass in a very brave second. “I was just so proud to be there at the finish and really pushed the race at my own pace.” Chris third, Wade fifth and Thommy sixth. “
Season results There’s been significant Lane Cove representation in Div 5 over the season resulting in over 1100 points. Cass took out 2nd place overall. A big win in Davistown putting her right in the mix for a series win. Ian Cooper was in hot form until surgery curtailed his season.
Tinky Tipping had a nice Wagga race in particular. Mike Thom put together three really good races, despite being underdone due to a previously “dicky ticker”, Wade had a great Swallow Rock race, making a mental note to manage his paddling calendar to do most races. Mike Lieberman, and Jeff Bannerman had very good Lane Cove races. Training partner Pim Van Gestel had some great results before ski season. It will be great to see them string more together
Above: Results for LCRKers
Above: LCRKers on the podium for 2024 Marathon Series
Round #6 - Penrith - Sun 21 Jul
Location: Nepean Rowing Club, 32 Bruce Neale Drive, Penrith
Race Report - from Derek Simmonds
Ian’s great photos capture the action of Race 6 of the Marathon Series at Penrith on Sunday. Let me try to capture in words some of the magic and beauty of the day.
Conditions were in total contrast to Saturday’s forbidding tempest, and contradicted Willy Weather’s forecast 30 - 45 kph winds. Racing started under a cloudless sky with a gentle zephyr which gradually increased to a light breeze for the second half of the race.
Penrith Club support was wonderful. On arrival we were greeted with friendly driveway service including boat unloading and placement on the lawn next to the river. With water above the wooden launch platform, club helpers assisted paddlers enter their craft in the shallow water over the concrete, ensuring rudders were positioned over deeper water. They were ready to help weary paddlers disembark at completion of the race.
In my estimation, the race on the beautiful Nepean River is the most picturesque of the series races. Those doing the up-and-back 20 km distance are first treated to the wide expanse of the lower reaches before they enter the pristine beauty of the Nepean Gorge. Entry to the high bush cliffs of the upper reaches is via the portal of the “narrows” with its gently swirling currents. Once in the gorge the sandstone cliffs and massive boulders are gently illuminated. If you are lucky, a large cave emits low booming sounds as kayak wash reverberates from its dark interior.
After the turn, paddlers were assisted to the finish by a runout current and a following breeze creating some small downwind ripples and gentle waves from passing boats.
The Penrith Marathon is an immersion in a truly awesome landscape that transports paddlers to a world far away from the nearby urban hubbub. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, make sure you sign up for it next year. It got me doing my first 20 km since last year’s Mayall Classic and encouraged paddling legend, Justin, to get out there. So much so that he did the extra long 5 km race. He didn’t turn to the finish until he was alerted he had passed turnaround by the rescue boat. Maybe he was in the Nepean Zen. Sorry Justin, this is payback for “dobbing me in” to write a race report.
If you want to know more about how Lane Cove paddlers went, check out the results download.
Above: Results for LCRKers
Round #5 - Woronora - Sat 22 June
Report sooooon.....
Above: Results for LCRKers
Round #4 - Davistown - Sat 1 June
Note that this year the event returned to Restella Avenue, Davistown
Above: Results for LCRKers
Round #3 - Lane Cove - Sun 28 Apr
Above: Results for LCRKers
Nationals – Encounter Lakes, Victor Harbour, South Australia 5-7 Apr 2024
- Results (via webscorer)
- Flickr: Day 1 (David L)
- Flickr: Day 2 (David L)
- Flickr: Day 3 (David L)
- Flickr: Long Course (Stephen S)
- Flickr: Doubles (Stephen S)
- Flickr: Mixed Doubles & Short Course (Tim H, Dmytro M, Stephen S)
- Event website
Festival of Paddling - Something for Everyone - by Wade Rowston
Encounter Lakes in Victor Harbour is a man-made canal with beautiful clear water that snakes its' way past a number of sandy beaches and is surrounded by residentials. It is adjacent to the sea but is nicely protected from the worst of any wind. The neatly piled rocks of the riverbank served to absorb most of the wash created by the paddlers so there was no sign of anticipated bounce back wash.
The portage this year was on the main sandy beach and the adjacent park served as the main hub for the event. The host club was Encounter Lakes padllers, who with only 20 active members, did a superb job in conjunction with PadddleSA and Paddle Australia. The 3 day event ran like clockwork.
In my view it is good to consider these Australian Championships as a more a 'Festival of Paddling' rather than a gathering of elite paddlers. There are both ICF and non-ICF classes. The ICF (Internation Canoe Federation) K boat classes are for qualification to the World Champs and includes portaging up the the age of 65. There is no portaging for the non-ICF classes and Skis are allowed. There are a lot of very strong paddlers but there are also those there just giving it their best.
As an average paddler at best, I participate in these championships for these reasons:-
- the event takes you to river and lake courses and clubs around Australia (you can follow up with a holiday in the region)
- I enjoy supporting, and being supported by, my fellow LCRK members and by NSW paddlers
- I get to wear the NSW state kit
- there is a great sense commeradarie amongst all paddlers even though there is a healthy interstate rivalry
- it is great to see Australias' best elite Marathon paddlers in action in the Open classes compete at the top level
- there are ICF and non-ICF classes (to portage or not to portage)
- I know I will be towards the back of the field in my class and age group but just enjoy the experience anyway
The table of results below show that LCRK paddlers performed extrordinarily well. James H gave it his all in the Men's Open K1 ICF class in both the long and short course but could not quite stay with the lead group. With the continued dedication and enthusiasm that he shows for the sport I am sure James will be able to climb that extra rung or two of the ladder to be in the medals. He was rewarded with a great 3rd place in the Open Men's K2 paddling with young Matthew Gates from BGCC.
Above: James Harrington leading the pack at the portage (photo Steve Shelley)
In the veterans age groups Daniella paddled superbly to win all 4 events that she competed in, a feat that earned her Veteran Paddler of the Championships. Congratulations!
Brett was also outstanding taking out gold in all 4 events that he competed in as well. A number of paddlers pushed Brett all the way in the long course, but as is often the case, he had that extra speed at the end.
Others to enjoy strong results in their respective classes were Cassie, Pauline, Dmytro. Congratulations.
Above: Daniela looking strong taking the lead (photo Steve Shelley)
If you have not participated in the Australian Canoe Marathon Championships previously then why not give it a go next year in Perth?
Above: Results for LCRKers Fri/Sat/Sun sessions
The Nationals - My Reflections - by Dmytro Medvedyev
This was my third Australian Marathon Championships, and despite not performing as strongly as I had hoped recently, I was still excited to compete in Adelaide. Having decided to compete very close to the race date, I did not commit to racing in the team boats and focused on K1 only.
After a short warm-up, I joined the starting line for the long course (20km). I initially started with the front pack, but after assessing the pace, I settled into a chasing group that better suited my current racing conditions. The four of us, Jason, Kelby, Garth, and myself, worked well together, taking turns leading and holding a good pace. All of us navigated the portages efficiently and maintained respectful racing throughout. In the final sprint, I utilized the strategy I used a few times before, overtaking Kelby just before the finish line to secure fifth overall and second in my age category behind Craig Elliot – a result I was incredibly happy with.
The next day, I supported my teammates in the doubles while recovering for the final race. Feeling confident after my long course performance, I paddled more aggressively in the shorter event. The field was quickly sorted out: Craig established a strong lead, with Kelby and me battling for second. I pushed myself to stay on Craig's wash for two laps, but he proved too strong and dropped me on the second portage. In the final lap, Kelby lifted the pace at the last turn, securing second place. Despite finishing third, I was pleased with my performance and ranked fifth master competing in K1.
I'm incredibly happy with my results and my teammates' strong performances. Thank you to the organizers, competitors, and supporters for making this a fantastic event!
Above: Dmytro (No 104) staying with the pack pack in the long course (photo Steve Shelley)
2024 PaddleNSW Marathon State Championships 8-10 Mar 2024
- Results (via webscorer)
- Start Lists (via webscorer)
- PNSW Flickr pix (D.Little/R.Fox)
- PNSW Flickr pix (S.Shelley)
- PNSW Flickr pix (J.Pralija)
- Event Flyer (LOTS more info)
Report from Kev Mulally/Andrew Pearce...
On arrival at our accommodation, I immediately checked the weather for the 3-day event (30+c). Hmm Andrew doesn't like Air conditioning. With that in mind I gave him the big bedroom which had a queen bed and air conditioner. I had the single bed in the kitchen with my own air conditioner we were set. After lights out Friday night I hear a slight hum coming from Andrew's room. I Closed my eyes as we both passed out under our air conditioners.
Saturday race day for us, we checked & double checked our Start time wave number & distance three times. "You got it Andrew Yep he says 14.8k"
The start for me was chaotic as it was a mixed fleet of ages boats and distances. I was rocking & rolling from the boat chop for the first 50mtrs. Within the first kilometre it started to settle down and I was fortunate to latch onto a wash ride of an apex 46 kayak skippered by a lovely lady from Hunter Valley. I was clear of the enemy as I hung on grimly to the end of my 11.1 k race. 75+ K/S.
I immediately went to see how Andrew was going. Spotted in the distance he appeared to be in a trance I yelled out go Andrew no reaction as he sailed passed the start finish line. One lap to go around he came around eyes glazed & with a slight grin on his face. "Go Andrew" the crowd yelled as he approached the finish. With a firm grip on the Nordic Squall 580 he sailed passed the finish line. " What are you doing" we yelled no reaction, finally, after the extra lap he glided into the finishing line.
I said mate, I told you three times this morning 14.8k not 18.8 k. With a mask of achievement firmly etched on his face he simply said I was enjoying being by myself, was way out of contention for any award & thought bugger it another leisurely lap just to make sure I did decent distance." (training for the Sunday doubles race). Lots of laughter from all on the beach and I am sure that the extra lap will be well remembered, Daniela’s comment summed it up very well (are you a crazy man).
Back to the hotel for a brief rest, shower etc and then off to the Capitol Brewery for dinner and the presentations where the LCRK crew managed to collect a bag full of medals (see results below).
Early start Sunday morning and driving in to Molonglo beach from downtown Queanbeyan watching the 20 odd multi coloured balloons lifting off and drifting across the lake was special, Canberra in these early mornings can be very pleasant.
No time to wait around as the first doubles race was due to start at 8.30, with all groups combined into a single start with almost 20 boats spread across the start line. Given that Kevin and Andrew had spent no more than 1.5 hours paddling together in the yellow destroyer of Chris Johnson/Wade Rowston, we held back a bit to let the water settle down and slowly got into a rhythm, Kevins calls (sitting in the front), were limited to Andrew get in synch, we managed to get around the 14.8 klm course still in the boat and had a great time doing so, we had moments of sheer brilliance and periods of very ordinary.
Back on the beach and talking to the rest of the paddlers, a rumour was circulating that there had been strong words, bearing of teeth and clashing of paddles in the women’s K2 doubles race, however post-race there was a mutual agreement and hugs all round that what happens on the water stays on the water.
We headed back to Sydney after the first race, however some of the LCRK crew stayed and competed in the mixed doubles race starting at 12.00 pm.
In closing, watching some of NSW best marathon paddlers compete in the sprints on Friday night and over the weekend across a number of different races, was simply great and the support from the LCRK support team on the beach when passing the line, does help to lift the spirits and reinforces why we were there.
All credit to the BGCC and Paddle NSW organising committees as the whole weekend was well planned, well managed made all the more special as the weather was just perfect
Above: Results for LCRKers Fri/Sat/Sun sessions
GENERAL INFO:
Long course singles will be contested on the Molonglo River on Saturday 09 March from 10:00 (ICF portaging classes) and 13:00 (ICF and General non-portaging classes). The course is similar to last year and consists of a long lap of around 3.7 km with a short lap of approx 1 km and a portage on grass of about 120 m. The exit is onto a carpetted dock with a beach re-entry. The tables show the range of classes and distances on offer. If your class is not on this list or in the Webscorer entry portal or if a distance for your class is not shown here, please don't worry ... it is just because we haven't had entries in these classes before. Just contact Dianne at events@paddlensw.org.au and she will talk you through your entry and the distances you will be paddling.
Long course doubles and mixed doubles will be contested over the same course on Sunday 10 March from 08:30 (same gender doubles) and 12:30 (mixed doubles).
Masters ... yes ... the entries are in age brackets of 10 years BUT if a 5-year age group is constituted (in other words has 3 or more boats in it), that age group will run as such with medals awarded accordingly. We are hoping that the NSW marathon community comes together en masse so that no classes are unconstituted. This is a major reason for being part of this event - to have enough numbers that each 5-year age group is constituted. So dust off those boats and get on the water ... BGCC would love to see you in March in Canberra at the States for Mates.
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase from BGCC chef Maria on both Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to put in your orders for breakfast the night before. Maria does a mean kayaker/canoeist brekkie.
PROGRAMME;
FRIDAY EVENING - SHORT COURSE SINGLES
- Session 1 @ 19:15 - ICF Class (Portage)
- Session 2 @ 19:30 - All boats/All ages (No Portage)
SATURDAY - LONG COURSE SINGLES
- Session 1 @ 10:00 - ICF Open, U23, U18, Masters (35-64)
- Session 2 @ 13:00 - ICF Masters (65+), General Class (all ages), Para, Juniors (U10-U18), Novice Race & SUP
SUNDAY - LONG COURSE DOUBLES
- Session 1 @ 08:30 - ICF & General Class Open, U18, Masters, Para & Juniors
- Session 2 @ 12:30 - ICF & General Class Mixed - All ages
GENERAL
- You can enter up to four (4) events.....(EG: Short Course Singles, Long Course Singles, Doubles & Mixed Doubles)
- Your entry fee includes a unique "States with Mates" T-Shirt. Please ensure you advise what size T-Shirt you require, and it will be available for collection in Canberra.
- Any questions on the event or entry can be directed to events@paddlensw.org.au
- Friday evening BBQ will be available and catered by Chef Maria - always a great range of foods and always good value ($10pp paid on the night)
- Saturday Dinner and Medal Presentations will be at the Capital Brewery from 6:30pm. Capital Brewery
- Once again, huge thanks to Burley Griffin Canoe Club for hosting these Championships, now over three days.
Please note that Early Bird closes two weeks before the event.
Paddlers who enter before 16th February and nominate their required T-Shirt size will receive T-Shirts in the size ordered. Entries received after 16th February will be filled as best we can against available sizes. Get in early to secure the right size T-Shirt !!
Round #2 - Windsor - Sun 25 Feb
- Results (via webscorer)
- LCRK Flickr pix (LCRKers specifically)
- PNSW Flickr pix - broader coverage, all paddlers (Ian W, Stephen W)
- PNSW Flickr pix (part 2 - Stephen S.))
Race report sooooon.....
Above: Results for LCRKers
Why compete in the Paddle NSW marathon series
Over the coming months we have the opportunity to attend and compete in the Paddle NSW marathon 8 race series, and to encourage more LCRK members to participate we will provide some reasons and justification for doing so.
We will use the same format and simply add in the particulars of the upcoming event which will include some of the important details and information of the actual venue.
Karen Tipping has created “LCRKmarathon24race1wagga” Group WhatsApp portal, the intention will be to use this group chat for all Marathons going forward as a means of contact to all LCRK intending to participate.
Why: Because we can, It is a great event and as the opening event for the year it is an opportunity to reconnect with fellow paddlers from other clubs, compare boats, or just a quiet chat and reconnect, which is a very important aspect of our chosen sport, we love competing, however without others it is simply not the same.
We encourage all LCRK members to participate in these races, and apart from the racing. The social connection is what keeps us together, meeting up with the other paddlers etc.
We hope these short notes and information will encourage LCRK paddlers to enter these events, as they are not just fun and challenging but more importantly an opportunity to see parts of the country you may not have and to reconnect with paddlers from other clubs.
Without active participation we run the risk of losing these events, so embrace and enjoy.
Round #1 - Oura to Wagga - Sat 3 Feb
- Results (via webscorer)
- WBCC Youtube (6 min) of event
- Entries list (via webscorer)
- Race Info for competitors at 25 Jan
Above: Results for LCRKers
Race Report - Chris Johnson
THIS IS A GREAT RACE SO IF YOU DID NOT ATTEND THIS YEAR IT IS A MUST FOR 2025.
The Paddle NSW Marathon series kicked off on Saturday with the 26 km Oura to Wagga down river race. Race start time was 11 AM, temperature was circa high 20’s / low 30’s, with lots of sun. Paddlers arrived early out at Oura to get organised, catch up with friends. The SES had SIX rescue boats for the event (amazing support). The river was lower than 2023 but was running faster over the first 15 km (please don’t ask me to explain how a river is faster with less water).
Divisions 1 + 2 + 3 started together at 11 AM, followed by my Division 4 at 11:03 AM. All other divisions started before 11 AM. It was noted by a Div 3 paddler at the race briefing that Div 3 paddlers should preferably not have to start with elite Div 1 paddlers, a reasonable request – although timing systems were all set to go etc, so too late for a change.
For Wagga I was paddling a “new” Rocket which was a larger customise cockpit, which allows for full leg drive, rotation, similar to a K1. The Rocket is a very long down river kayak perfect for this event and much easier to control than an actual K1, in a swirling river. For hydration I had two bladders on the kayak floor so 2.5 litres of drink as it was hot.
In Division 4 there were 14 paddlers + a double + two other paddlers (ranking). Other Lane Cove Div 4 paddlers were John Duffy, Mike T, Roddy, Scott, Graeme J + Alison (Double Ski) & Jeff Hosnell. Warming up is interesting in a reasonably fast down flowing river, however with a little extra planning an upstream paddle for 200 metres, a quick turn and repeat(s) had most paddlers ready to float back in an orderly line across the river to the race starter.
The Race got underway with some swirly sections, a few paddle checks, but the Murrumbidgee’s flow + wide expanse allowed for a couple of packs to form, so after 1 km there was still 5 -6 paddlers stretched across the river. The pace in Div 4 was fast, but not crazy fast. I was placed with Scotty, Graeme’s double at the front, and a new ranking paddler. Scott provided some great tips , at 6 km David Lowe was catching us on the inside left, however we managed to stay in front. At 12 km a Tinny (fishing person) came upriver & this wash / bow wave upset several paddlers rhythm, thus providing a gap to open up for Div 4 paddlers who were more stable.
As the KM ticked over around 17 km it seemed to get hotter, and the river seemed to get slower, one of the two ranking paddlers who had taken a turn at the front suddenly declared they were “cooked” and dropped back. Then we got to the first road bridge, where I could not remember if the course was 23 km or 26 km, it was hot, must have been getting tired, then the water works on the left, OK so it must be 26km. By this stage I had slipped to second. We approached / passed the green bouy, final corner, effort to the line & finish. Very glad to get out of the kayak into the cool river. Very pleased to have all other Div 4 Lane Cove paddlers finish well inside 6 minutes!
Racing Insights
1. Being in the front pack it is hard to fathom how tired the other paddlers are getting. Plus if there are successive paddlers just behind is it best to let them have a turn, or go faster for longer or slow right down?
2. Being in the division lead for more than 30% of the event might result in excess energy expended / save some energy for the last 1.5 km and sprint home.
Well done Lane Cove River Kayakers great results see table on club website – next round is Windsor then the State titles in Canberra.
Above: LCRK team pre-race photo at Oura Beach
Why compete in the Paddle NSW marathon series
Over the coming months we have the opportunity to attend and compete in the Paddle NSW marathon 6 race series, and to encourage more LCRK members to participate we will provide some reasons and justification for doing so.
We will use the same format and simply add in the particulars of the upcoming event which will include some of the important details and information of the actual venue.
Karen Tipping has created “LCRKmarathon24race1wagga” Group WhatsApp portal, the intention will be to use this group chat for all Marathons going forward as a means of contact to all LCRK intending to participate.
Access to register: Is through the Paddle NSW – Webscorer portal here)
Race: 1 Oura Beach to Wagga Beach
Location: Start Oura Beach
Finish: Wagga Beach
Date: 3 February 2024
Distance: various options up and an including the 26klm down river
After: 5.30 pm Palm and Prawn Hotel
Why: Because we can, It is a great event and as the opening event for the year it is an opportunity to reconnect with fellow paddlers from other clubs, compare boats, or just a quiet chat and reconnect, which is a very important aspect of our chosen sport, we love competing, however without others it is simply not the same.
This is also a great event to take your respective partners to as the travel distance can be an issue so why not make a weekend of it. There is an abundance of accommodation on offer ranging from cabins at the many caravan parks, to leading hotel brands and all in between.
Some members will likely pool their resources and travel down together in single cars (means loading up the boats so spare kayak cradles suitable for long highway trips to be considered) and sharing accommodation costs.
See more details on the race and distance options on the competitor information sheets.
The race itself starts at Oura Beach, some 20KLM east of Wagga on the Murrumbidgee River, there is camping permitted at the start point which some LCRK have used In the past, from there it is an interesting and sometimes challenging course down river to Wagga Beach, it can be quite technical as trying to find the sweet spot where you can maintain a good speed and avoid the slow areas takes a level of focus as well as effort, there are eddies that can catch you out, last year down river speeds in some areas exceeded 16klm per hour, but get caught in the shallows (away from the channels will have an impact).
Once you settle into your rhythm and race speed, you get the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque river with Blackberries to pick (you have to stop), hanging branches from willow trees and tall river Gums along with the ever present Australian wildlife and river birdlife, this is a very special part of our county and it seeing from the water is something you do not tire from, you pass some of the most productive farming land in NSW so expect to see some very happy sheep and cattle catching a drink.
Seeing your fellow paddlers downstream ahead of you poses the challenge, do you try to chase them down by lifting your speed or run your own race and hope they fall off the pace??, (tactics) either way you have to keep a bit in the tank for the last 4-5klm, you know the finish line is out there and you just have to keep on pushing.
The finish line at Wagga Beach, will surprise many, it has been voted one of Australia’s Best beaches, (I have seen the sign) and the welcome from all is truly special as the local population do embrace this event, as it provides them with the opportunity to showcase Wagga, a genuine Australian Town stepped in History, with many beautiful colonial houses and buildings
We encourage all LCRK members to participate in these races, and apart from the racing. The social connection is what keeps us together, meeting up with the other paddlers on the Saturday night in the Pub for dinner and a beer/wine is a great way to maintain our connections and foster friendships, you can also compare race times or just enjoy the company.
Take the time after the paddle to take in some of the local sights such as the beautiful buildings or the Wagga Dam just a sort drive out of town, and seeing how these pioneering and hard working men and women built this impressive structure, using the limited equipment at hand, allows you to gain a better understanding of the ingenuity of the people involved and how the Australia we know today was built.
This is one of those regions in Australia where the tractors and farm equipment were repaired and kept operating by fencing wire and bailing twine, way before the Bunnings stores of today.
We hope these short notes and information will encourage LCRK paddlers to enter these events, as they are not just fun and challenging but more importantly an opportunity to see parts of the country you may not have and to reconnect with paddlers from other clubs.
Without active participation we run the risk of losing these events, so embrace and enjoy.