So this is your first long distance paddling Marathon?
If the 2009 Riverland Paddling Marathon is your first long distance paddling marathon you should read the following pointers.
Marathon paddling like any marathon discipline can be hard work. Physical preparation is obviously essential. However collecting information and mental preparation is equally important.
It is a good idea to paddle some or all of the sections of the river that you will cover in the race. Understanding the river and its many nuisances will be helpful on the day. It is also helpful to understand how your canoe or kayak copes with a long distance paddle. Choosing a suitable craft is critical to your comfort level and ability to finish with a relative ease.
Make sure you are comfortable in your kayak for a long distance. You will most likely be in that seat for at least 3 hours at a time and you need to know that your seating position is comfortable, that you can reach your food and that your pfd doesnÕt rub. Padding on your seat may help. Some paddlers like gloves and booties, others find them constraining.
Participants are required to carry food and drink to sustain them during each stage of the event. Have a good breakfast before the beginning of each stage, ideally with foods of low GI (glycaemic index) such as oats, cereals, nuts, etc. While paddling, food and drink with high energy are good, such as sugary drinks or energy bars, biscuits etc. DonÕt make sudden or radical changes to your regular diet before the race. Wear your water resistant and windproof paddling jacket if it is windy. If it is cold, wear a hat or a beanie Ð most of the bodyÕs heat loss radiates from the head. Warm, close fitting thermal layers, ideally made of polypropylene, polyester or wool is best for winter paddling as these fabrics continue to insulate when wet. Avoid cotton clothing for winter paddling.
I think everyone who has trained for a marathon would strongly suggest that you spend as much time paddling with a friend or a group. On the day you will pass people and also be passed by people. It is always helpful to break your conversation with a chat.
Are there other people I can train with?
Historically MCC-SA members have used the Onkaparinga Canoe Club facility at Port Noarlunga for training. You could attend one of our regular training session at the following times;
Saturday 7am Ð 11am
Tuesday 8am Ð 11am
Alternatively you could train at Ð
Holdfast Bay Canoe Club on the Patawalonga on Sunday mornings at 8.30am or early on weekday mornings
Encounter Paddling at Victor Harbor on Sunday mornings at 8.30am or on weekday nights
Are there any introductory races?
Yes. The Marathon Canoe Club runs an annual lead up race in May called the Back2Back.
The Back2Back could be considered as a marathon race in its own right but essentially the event is designed as an opportunity to complete a long distance paddle on a Saturday afternoon and back it up with a long distance paddle on the Sunday morning.
The Back2Back is held at Murray Bridge on the River Murray and is hosted by the Murray Bridge Rowing Club at Sturt Reserve. Distances include a 22km Bridge to Bridge loop on the Saturday afternoon and a 22km out and back course on the Sunday morning. However there is a half distance opportunity on both days.
The 2009 Back2Back will be held on Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd of May.
If you are interested in completing other introductory races you could shontact one of the other active canoe clubs, Encounter, Holdfast, Onkaparinga or West Lakes. They all have race and long distrance training opportunities on offer. Clubs like Encounter Paddling run a regular monthly 6km time trial on a Sunday morning which might be of value in your preparation. Holdfast also run similar Sunday events.
NB – Check below for mud maps of the course
Over time we will place additional details on this page. So keep checking back.
