2025 Ultra Marathon Opportunities

LCRK has always had strong participation in a range of accessible and iconic ultra-marathon events. For 2025 the events include:

Clarence 100 - 10-12 October 2025

It’s The Clarence 100– 10th Anniversary Marathon!

The Clarence 100 – 3-day, 3-stage river marathon covering 106km of the stunning Clarence River and Northern NSW waterways. From the bush to the beach, this race takes paddlers through the Clarence Valley with glimpses of the unique biodiversity and opportunities to visit historic riverside towns such as Copmanhurst, Grafton, Ulmarra, Brushgrove, Maclean, and Yamba.

Results summary for LCRKers below

The Clarence 100 – Fri 9th Oct to Sun 11th Oct 2025 - 3 days– Hot Hot Hot! - REPORT

Group photo of all paddlers on Day 1 at Copmanhurst just before the start - Photo - Carly

This was the 10th year of the running of the Clarence 100.Each day starts early at 7am (earlier for slower boats on days 2 and 3) so the paddling is done and dusted before lunchtime, which happens to end on the doorstep of a local pub on days 1 and 2. Conditions this year were very hot, particularly on days 1 and 2.

Day 1 - 40km – Copmanhurst to Grafton – very hot with tide turning against most paddlers in the last 10km or more.

Day 2 – 42km – Grafton to Mclean – very hot with the tide turning against most paddlers from about halfway then add a strong head wind in the last 10-15km.

Day 3 – 25km – Mclean to Yamba – mild with high cloud with millpond conditions which is very rare in this open section of river. The tide forecast indicated that we would be paddling against a ripping tide the whole way but to everyone’s surprise and delight it turned out the tide only turned against us in the last 5-7km.

This year LCRK was represented by:-

  • Richard Barnes and Chris Stanley – Mirage 720
  • Andrew Murray (Muz), Mark Hancock and mates Marc Gower (relay) and David (also known as Crafty) as landcrew – Mirage 720 – Relay (their team name was ‘That’s a Paddlin’ which is a Simpsons reference)
  • Anjie Lees and David Hammond – SLR2 – Supported by Clay
  • Tony Hystek and Alanna Ewin – Double Ocean Ski (NK)
  • Wade Rowston – Ocean Ski (Stellar SEI) – Supported by Carly

Here are the observations from the paddlers:-

TONY

Day 1 - Alanna and I got quite a reasonable start on Day 1, jumping on the massive Wash wave of the front runners and having a nice ride for a couple of K’s. Bob and Mark crept up behind us, and soon there were two NK doubles, destined to remain buddies for the entire distance…almost.

Shallows sorted out some of the field, and a gently warming day turned others to toast. We maintained our washride till the finish but were nearly caught on the line by Mike and Peter in the SLR2.

Alanna discovered the god of all rub rash burns on her stomach, and spent the evening in various comatose states while I put the earplugs in. She looked like the aftermath of major surgery after we finished bandaging her.

Day 2 - Still wasn’t enough to slow Alanna down on day 2, and we powered away from thestart leading a formation of 5 NK skis, mostly from CSKC; it was quite a sight. We were buoyed by seeing the competition disappearing behind but as the day wore on so did we. The sight of Mike and Peter fast approaching toward the finish spurred us on to just a 50 second lead.

Day 3 - and the chips were down. We powered away once again in similar formation, but the first two days had sapped much of my energy and I faded just 5km from the finish to be overtaken by Mike and Peter. Alanna gave it all she had but they built a lead of over 2 minutes by the end; we were still mightily pleased with the result.

Paddling in wash packs changes the whole ultra experience, and the days just flew by. Our wash ride buddies were fab people, always ensuring we had room to move, swapping positions regularly and stopping for food. I can only hope we get to repeat the whole experience next year.

Alanna

Without much paddling going on in my life, Tony and I decided to embark on The Clarence 100 for fun….as you do. But I forgot. I forgot that there is no such thing as a paddle for fun when we get into a double together in race conditions.

Day 1 commenced before I had a chance to think about it and we were off. I was wondering how we ended up toward the pointy end, and it was then that it dawned on me what a fool I was to think Tony or I could just have a ‘fun’ race. After about 5km of pure exhaustion at greater than our TT pace, I asked Tony if this was the pace expected for the next 40km, and of course, we all know his answer.

We settled in with the pack of Dan Hilly, double Bob T and Mark M, and the irrepressible John Young. It was head down bum up for me just to keep up. Tony played the engine and Bob and Mark took us all home to the finish line. I was very grateful I was able to hang on and very pleased to stop paddling! I was oblivious to our placing thinking there had been another wash ride group ahead of ours.

Having not blown up on Day 1, I decided I had more in me to give. We headed out with a mighty start on Day 2, enjoying the company of the Cronulla Sutherland lads this time, sharing leads and looking out for each other. I think it was my most painful, successful and happiest day of wash pack paddling ever. Conditions were really tough with tide and wind against us in the latter half, but what a great bunch of lads to paddle with. I think the goodwill experienced between that group was the only thing that gave me the will to put in the energy to keep up. I actually enjoyed myself. Surprise!

By Day 3 it dawned on me that we had a chance to win the doubles, so I felt motivated! A quick race start in the fog and with the tide, and our day two pack re-formed, with the double of Pete Ryce and Mike O’Leary hot on our heels and looking for a win as well. The river conditions were tricky – shallow and tide against us. We worked with our pack, but fitness got the better of us toward the end and Tony and I dropped off to join our nemesis. We enjoyed their company (but not the pain) for a few kms before Tony’s quads decided they’d had enough. Pete and Mike took off for a well earned solid finish and we limped home.

We were mistakenly awarded first place for Open Doubles at the presentation which had us all a bit confused. This was later rectified to second, with only a few minutes in it.

Race it or rec-paddle it, The Clarence 100 is over each day by lunchtime, followed by lots of socialising. I had a thoroughly good time, was completely exhausted, and made new friends along the way.

Tony and Alanna on Day 1 just before the start at Copmanhurst - Photo - Carly

WADE

Day 1 - a beautiful early morning start but you could sense it was turning hot. I paddled with Mark and Marc for about 10 mins and then settled into my stride and edged away. Started to fade at about about the 25km mark so had a gel then kicked on steadily. I hit the incoming tide with about 10km to go. Had another gel and managed to pass a couple of single paddlers and finished solidly in the +30C heat. Little did I know that much improved Mark and Muz (they changed Marc for Muz at the halfway checkpoint) were hunting me down and only finished a few seconds behind me.

Day 2 – a fun day of racing against a local single ski paddler named Chris. We must have traded positions about 8 times as we each hit good patches at different times. I was fortunate to break away in the last 5 kms after slowing to have a gel. The gel was a gamble as I was behind Chris at the time and lost more distance. It was great to have a good tide with us for the first 22km but once it turned and a headwind blew up it was slow going in the last 20km. Sometimes my speed was only 7km/hr. Once again the temp jumped into the mid 30Cs. A very hard zapping slog to the finish line.

Day 3 - a foggy start. I was slow to get going. The body didn’t want to work after the rigours of the previous day. It took about 30 mins for me to get going. The tide was with us for ¾ of the way which was a big surprise and relief. Sometimes I saw my speed over 12km/hr. I faded a bit in the last few kms but it was great to arrive at the beach finish through the gate. The conditions on this leg were the best I have experienced. I was 21 mins faster this year on this leg then last year due to the river and wind conditions being so favourable.

DAVE HAMMOND

Thank you Ben (the organiser) and team Clarence.

Three days of torture but after 2 coffees and a brekkie burger I was ready to go again. From dying in the 35degree heat on Day 1, to fighting with my brain on Day 2 when 40km turned into 43km and that damn bridge that marked the finish and “was just around the next bend” never seemed to appear.

Thankfully the horror stories from previous years did not repeat and having near perfect conditions on Day 3 allowed us to finish which was such a relief. Love how each Day finishes at a pub. I’ll be back.

Anjie and Dave happy to finish the event on Day 3 in good conditions at Whiting Beach Yamba - Photo - Sharon Mitchell

ANDREW (MUZ)

2025 was the tenth Clarence 100 and my fourth — such an awesome event, I honestly can't recommend it enough!

The event is a lovely few days away in northern NSW, is perfect preparation for the HCC, but equally can be done in a relay - in manageable 20 – 25 km sections each day.

The first two days are approximately 40 km, with the third day only 25 km. The days are not long with even the “not so competitive” paddlers off the water by lunchtime.

The country towns in the area have all the amenities required, with plenty of accommodation and places to eat and drink.

All range of craft are paddled with outriggers, kayaks, canoes, sea kayaks, skis and SUPs. There are heaps of friendly paddlers who come back every year, and if it’s your first time, you’ll be made to feel welcome.

The end of Day 3 at Whiting Beach Yamba - photo unknown

More info about the Clarence 100

You can paddle the full distance each day or split the distance in a relay team. Each day can be finished by lunch, and you are free to soak up the atmosphere of the region.

🚣‍♀️ Who can enter?
Everyone! From elite athletes to weekend warriors, paddlers take on the challenge in surf skis, kayaks, outriggers, prones, and SUPs. Compete solo, pair up, or form a relay team. Age groups run from juniors all the way to 70+.

📅 Key Dates:
* Sign On Night: Thu 9 Oct, 5:30–7:30pm @ Crown Hotel, Grafton.

  • Day 1: Fri 10 Oct, start 7 am, 40km from Copmanhurst to Grafton. The split for the day is 18km and 22km.
  • Day 2: Sat 11 Oct, 42km from Grafton to Maclean (Start : SUP/Prone 7am, all others 7:15am). The split for the day is 22km and 20km.
  • Day 3: Sun 12 Oct, start 7:30am, 25km from Maclean to Yamba. The split for the day is 11km and 15km. Finish Line: Whiting Beach, Yamba 🎉
  • Presentations: Sun 12 Oct, 1:30pm @ Yamba Golf Club (light refreshments 3–4:30pm)

Myall Classic - Sat 20 Sep 2025

Results summary for LCRKers below

Race Report - John Duffy

Dylan said the answer is blowing in the wind. Well, there should have been answers to world peace, climate change, eternal happiness, and living to 150, because it was certainly was blowing from 9am onwards.

Knowing it was going to be very windy meant my race plan was just to get through it. Two hours in and the strategy was altered to just survive; there were certainly no grand illusions of a good performance as I have a natural inclination to tense up in windy conditions.

You could see the gusts coming towards you across the water (>35km/hr), and hear the gusts coming from behind because of the noise through the trees. I just had to regularly stop during those gusts as the wind was grabbing my blade. Many times I glanced down at my GPS to see 6km/hr; I was surprised as I thought it would be slower.

The wind never let up and at the traditional risky sections 1-2km from the finish where the side wind was particularly fresh, I just said bugger it and turned into the wind and headed off course and into the lee side of the islands for an extra 300m.

Most LCRK paddlers managed the day OK, including the less experienced and hats off to the K1 and K2 crews, particularly Dymtry and Naomi/Alex who made it seem effortless, especially through the big open sections where the side chop was in excess of 30cm. It was wonderful crossing the finish line, getting friendly faces to help and listening to Tony’s favourable commentary on the finishers.

It was a superbly run event, camaraderie and encouragement was obvious on the water, and the fact that everyone of the 30 trophy recipients stayed for Don’s presentation and personally collected their trophy suggests that everybody else thought the same. (And no, the wind did not provide me with any answers. In fact I have more questions, like why after paddling for 30 years did the 2025 Myall give me a big blister on my butt.)

Below: JD setting a blistering pace upstream (photo: David L)

Race Report - When Tailwinds Lie and Headwinds Tell the Truth - Alex Roberts

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in nearly three decades of paddling, it’s this: experience counts for a lot. Conversely, a lack of experience can end your race in the most embarrassingly silly ways. Which is why, for the Myall 47, I made the clever decision to partner with Naomi Johnson – a paddler so experienced that she could probably complete most of these events backwards and blindfolded.

The main topic of conversation that evening was the weather. Would the predicted winds arrive? How strong would they be? Would they ruin our race, or merely ruin our hair? Nothing like a bit of meteorological uncertainty to sharpen the nerves before 47 kilometres of hard slog.

Saturday morning I woke up full of energy, which fate quickly confirmed I would need. At 9am sharp we were off. Naomi, being both fearless and fast, set a blistering early pace. I, being both loyal and mildly terrified, decided not to question her strategy and simply matched her cadence. Within a few moments we had shaken off the entire 9am start group, except for our fellow LCRK club mate Dimi, who latched onto our wash like his mortgage depended on it.

Soon we found our rhythm, the sort of steady, hypnotic cadence that makes you forget how long 47km really is. My mind drifted, and I entertained myself with imaginary playlists in my head - loudly sharing the particularly catchy choruses with Naomi, who I suspect appreciated my DJ-ing talents about as much as she appreciated the headwind later on. Speaking of speed, by the time we reached the turn, our GPS was showing an average of 12.9km/h. Impressive! For about three blissful minutes I convinced myself that my super-secret training program (consisting mostly of rest days for the last two weeks) had paid off. Unfortunately, reality struck: this was less about me becoming a surprise endurance phenom and more about the fact that we’d had a generous tailwind shoving us along for the past 10km.

Then we turned. Suddenly, as Naomi wryly pointed out, Newton’s laws applied with crushing inevitability. The tailwind that had been our best mate was now a furious headwind, and the water went from “glass-flat Instagram paradise” to “washing machine set to extra spin.” Our speed dropped like a rock…

Here, though, our boat choice saved the day. The Carbonology Sport Ultra K2 – a speedster with just enough volume and speed to keep us upright as waves attacked us at 45-degree angles. To my great relief, Naomi and I seemed to still be sitting perfectly, which left me just enough mental space to think about pushing hard in the final kilometres once the chop cleared. I had one clear thought: this was just the warm-up. Because, as I learned the hard way, the Hawkesbury Classic I’m supposed to be preparing for isn’t a neat out-and-back like the Myall. No, it’s a point-to-point. Which means that instead of gliding heroically back to my car at the finish, I’ll be dumped somewhere 111km away, tired, smelly, and desperately hoping someone I know remembers to collect me. A detail I perhaps should have realised by now…

Still, that’s paddling: a sport where logistics can be more daunting than the distance, and ignorance can be bliss - at least until the start gun fires. So, I’ll keep training, keep pretending I know what I’m doing, and most importantly, keep hanging out with people that know better than me.

Below: Alex and Naomi tackle the return leg

Race Report - Reflections on the Myall Classic Race - Dmytro M

The Myall Classic has always been one of the big milestones on my paddling calendar, and this year was no exception.

Preparation
For me, it all begins long before race day. The Saturday long sessions, marathon races around NSW, the nationals in Perth, and the training camp on the Gold Coast alongside paddlers preparing for the World Championships—all of it builds toward this race.

When I checked the start list, I saw a mix of familiar fast paddlers I’d raced before and some new names I didn’t recognize. It was clear from the start: this was going to be a tough one.

Strategy and the Start
Having done the Myall a few times now, I knew the real challenge is managing energy, nutrition, heart rate, and—most importantly—staying in the boat. (Last year, an unnecessary swim costed me dearly).

The day started early, waking at 4 AM and driving down from Sydney. After some last-minute prep, I was on the start line. I expected the Alex and Naomi duo to set the pace early, so I positioned myself next to them, hoping to stick with the front pack and keep ahead of my key competitors.

Sure enough, they took the lead right away. I managed to sit on their wash, and before long it was just the three of us out front. Holding that position was tough—I had to push hard just to stay with them—but I quickly realized the best strategy was to hang on as long as I could and hope the chasing pack wouldn’t reel me back in if (or when) I eventually dropped.

The Middle Stretch
That plan worked well. With a good tide and tailwind, we made good progress in the first half. But the race quickly turned nasty once we rounded the mark and faced the headwind and chop. By then, the chasing pack was only 500–600 meters behind—close enough to keep the pressure on.

Thankfully, all those windy sessions on Narrabeen Lake paid off. They gave me the confidence to handle the messy conditions on the return leg.

The Final Push
I managed to hang in for nearly 40 kilometers before my body finally gave out. From there, it was pure survival paddling across the chop—just staying upright became the goal. Those last kilometers felt endless, but eventually the finish line came into sight.

Crossing it was a huge relief. Friends helped me out of the boat, and even though I was completely spent, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

Results and Reflections
I finished second overall and first in a single—my best result yet at the Myall. It was a brutal race, but also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had on the water.

Organisers Report - Tony Hystek

To all our wonderful volunteers and paddlers in the 2025 Myall Classic… Thanks for supporting this iconic event. It is your participation that ensures this event carries on into the future.

The organising committee has welcomed several new members thank you, who have taken on important roles this year ensuring the future growth and quality of the event. In no particular order, I’d like to thank the following people who made this event happen:

  • John Duffy and Richard Yates …managing the entries system, making last minute changes, generally staying unflustered in a ‘complicated entry system’ world.
  • Duncan Johnstone….site manager, producer of signage and banners, scrutineer, etc.
  • Matt Swann…safety officer who went above and beyond with safety boat deployments and briefings, and liaised with the SES during the event.
  • Merry Sugiarto…once again organising high quality merchandise and stepping up for safety boat duties at the last minute.
  • Esther Wheeler…Registrations and finish line assistant to the timekeeper and event registrations.
  • Alanna Ewin…sounding board, caterer extraordinaire (lunches for volunteers/post race food for paddlers) plus race shirt exchanges and lots in between.
  • Don Johnstone…my shadow for the day, delivery excellent paddler briefings, and numerous other jobs that just needed doing
  • Chris Johnson… statistician and tireless promoter of the event. All those social media posts and artwork didn’t happen by magic.
  • Pauline Findlay… filling in roles where needed
  • Safety boat crews…Trevor Nichols, Darren Williams, Steve Wooden, with photographer David Little, and a local, Rob Gallagher. The event couldn’t happen without the contribution of these crews and their personal boat donations for the day.
  • SES… They have supported the event every year since we started, always friendly and doing this voluntarily. Alanna’s lunches certainly encourage them!
  • Tony Woodfield…amazing Maritime Officer stationed at Tea Gardens, ensuring that our event is safe and doing whatever is needed to keep the powerboats at bay.
  • And lastly all the LCRK paddlers who supported the race in great numbers and assisted with setup/pull down of the site even after paddling for hours in challenging conditions.

We’re desperate for some more volunteers next year to fill the gaps, so we’d love to hear from you if you can assist. We have a great time organising and running this event. Join in and be part of it!

Below: Some of the volunteers at Timekeeping station (photo: Duncan J)

Wyong 30 - Sun 28 Sep 2025

From CCP: We are gearing up for the 2025 30km, which I invite your paddlers to attend, perhaps as preparation for this year's HCC. We need to run it over three laps again, as yet another tree has fallen in, 1.4km upstream of the start, at Lions Park

We have relaxed the "Members only" rule on the Trophy, which was introduced in 1995, due to the Trophy not being returned, since 1980

Entries are invited for the 2025 30km Van Stappen Trophy on Wyong River, for paddlecraft, starting, and finishing at Lions Park, Panonia Road, Wyong, 28th September. It is run on handicap, for added interest. The Van Stappen Trophy is for the Fastest Time, and the Handicappers Trophy is for Fastest time in Single Craft for Members/Visitors, Male/Female.

Held on the section of river, from near the mouth, to Lions Park, in the shadows of the Railway Bridge in Wyong. Consequently, there are three laps - two of about 11.3km - and a shorter lap to make up the 30km. The "Bottom" turn is the Red and White channel marker, near the mouth, ("Red Pole") - the "Top" turn is a yellow 20 litre drum, 100 metres downstream of the Start/Finish Line. The third, and last turn, is a very large yellow buoy, (with a cage on top), over a kilometre upstream from the first turn. See diagram below. This is an excellent location for Photographers in the latter stage of the Event.

Estimated Finish Time is 11:30am. Safety - courtesy of Shelly Beach Surf Club. Lifejackets to be worn. Entries, including type of craft, M/F, with two suitable, recent performances (for handicapping purposes), to the Secretary, centralcoastpaddlers@gmail.com by Sunday 21st September. Entry is $20 - payable "on-the-day," at Lions Park. Refreshments will be provided. Also, a draw for Lucky Prizes.

REPORT (from Central Coast Paddlers)
Hi Members and Friends, A warm day, with quite a bit of wind at times, but no rain or storm! Everyone paddled well in the Club Races, with Trevor earning a PB - well done! The 30km Van Stappen Trophy was very well received, with a Visitor, Arnold Graf recording the fastest time, today! Arnold has not raced with us before, but is no stranger to the Tacoma area of the River, having trained there in previous years. Murray, from BWP, was second, in front of Mick, also from BWP. Both often race with us. Alanna & Tony from the Lane Cove River Kayakers, were 4th. Andrew, an "up-and-coming" local lad, was 5th. The well known Anjie, (24hr Paddling Record holder, I think!), teamed up with David (probably, just as well known) in a sleek SLR2 to finish 5th. Cassandra, from Windsor, having her first race with us, was 6th. Another local was Marni, who was not far off her last year's time. Local, Noel, racing over this distance for the first time, should be well pleased with his effort. LCRK President, Don, was well short of his two previous times in this race. Local, Trent, did a very respectable time, in this, his first race 30km race. LCRK Paddlers, Wade, Duncan & Matt completed the field, in respectable times, given the conditions. I would like to thank the many helpers who contributed to the success of today! Firstly, the Timekeepers, Diana and Margaret, who also organised the tea, coffee, Prizes, etc. Andrew - Bali Flags, Vice President Rob - Gazebo, Top Turn Marshall - Ken, and All who helped clean up afterwards. Secondly, Robbie's Shelly Beach Surf Club crews, who looked after the Paddlers, and placed, and retrieved, the Race Buoys. Finally, LCRK's Don, who helped with "local knowledge" for the handicapping, and his Club for ongoing support for this Event. Congratulations everyone! See you next year - bigger and better? Nick.