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Massive Murray Paddle

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Photo: Massive Murray Paddle

Alesha Millard, Massive Murray Paddle, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

In its 52nd year, one of the world’s longest paddling races, the Massive Murray Paddle, was held last week.

Many of you will be familiar with the original annual Red Cross Murray Canoe Marathon which was established back in 1969. Originally, the marathon raised funds for community projects or for people in need, however, the event is now run by a Sydney based company and participants decide on a cause they would like to raise funds for, with sporting clubs, rowing clubs, and youth groups among those benefiting.

This year’s event was an extra event to make up for the 2021 event, cancelled due to COVID-19. The paddle commenced in Yarrawonga on February 21 and headed to Tocumwal for the first night – a 93km paddle. Paddlers also passed through Picnic Point, Moama, Torrumbarry and Murrabit, before finishing in Swan Hill on the 25th. The five-day event saw paddlers completing a 404km set course. 

Day four was spent at the Murrabit Recreation Reserve, where they stayed and refuelled before their final leg to Swan Hill early the next morning. Paddlers travelled in vehicles from Torrumbarry to Murrabit as the conditions and accessibility to the Murray River are too hard for support vehicles and paddlers.

The Mindil Surf Boat Club from Darwin. Photo: Contributed

One keen paddler said she had flown from Tasmania to join the event. She had been in contact with the Mindil Surf Boat Club team who had towed their huge surf boat from Darwin and were short a few crew members. Having never met her fellow paddlers, the 51-year-old said she fitted in perfectly and has absolutely loved the event, although, she was looking forward to flying home Sunday for a good long rest and to see her family. Another gentleman came from the Gold Coast for his 11th event, making a cheeky point that he was a slow learner. Most agreed that not only was it a great way to raise funds, but getting out and meeting new people was wonderful, especially after the previous years we’ve had with restrictions and COVID-19. 

Massive Murray Paddle Champion! Photo: Contributed

With 110 paddlers, numbers were down from the usual 400 plus entrants that would enter the annual event in November. There are usually a large number of university students, but many were unable to participate due to the start of the university year. 

At the conclusion of the event, the grand total raised was $90,787. It’s worth mentioning that between 2016 and 2020, paddlers have raised over $800,000. 

After seeing several sore, tired and weary legs, the paddlers have granted themselves a well-earned rest until they front up again for the next event which has been set for November 21 to 25, with a few changes in store.

The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper 3 March 2022

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 3 March 2022.

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