Back2Back Race Report
Kayakers and canoeists as well as surfski and outrigger paddlers travelled from afar for last weekend’s Back to Back paddling marathons at Murray Bridge.
The two day event organised by the Marathon Canoe club of SA was held again this year at the Murray Bridge Rowing Club facility at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge. The event included a 20km twilight race on Saturday afternoon and a 20km distance race on Sunday morning. Both days also offered short course opportunities.
The Back2Back event has traditionally been a preparatory event for the Riverland Paddling Marathon in June. However it does seem to be taking on a life of its own in recent years and the support of the Murray Bridge Rowing Club has been instrumental in this rejuvenation.
Day 1 – involved a twilight paddle in warm conditions on the Saturday afternoon. The long course distance 20km was complimented by a short course option of 10km. 34 craft of various types took to the water at 2.45pm for the first of 3 starts. The 12kn NorEasterly thankfully dropped out just as paddlers rounded the Swanport Bridge and headed up river. Conditions remained pleasantly calm for the remainder of the race.
The OR6 teams gave the K1 paddlers a run for their money in the long course on Saturday and the Encounter Paddling team gave the young K1’s a push at the end.West Lakes dominated the results on day 1. West Lakes probably had the most “bums on seats” on day 1 and it was pleasing to see a youthful C4 team on the water.
Day 2 – early Sunday morning paddlers arrived for a 20km return trip between Swanport Bridge and Avoca Dell. Alternatively a short course of 10km was run in conjunction with the LD paddlers. With misty rain falling a solid field of paddlers took to the water with enthusiasm and appreciated the flat conditions and eventual sunlight.
The Back2Back event looks like it will stay at Murray Bridge in the near future with records now being established over the two distinct courses.
Great performances were seen on the weekend by several paddlers. Marathon man Bill Griffen won his class convincingly on both days and outstripped several younger paddlers over the long distance. Likewise paddling stalwart Phil Dingsdale proved a strong paddler in a Spinner in the veteran TK1 class. However it was the younger paddlers including Sean Dedai who demonstrated that the future of marathon paddling was in good hands.
Neil Richardson, Emily Rozee, Jo Mahar and Bevan teamed up in double sea kayaks on both days of the event while several other paddler’s swapped craft and paddling partners throughout the weekend as they trialled for the perfect paddling partner.
Many thanks to timekeeper Sue Speck and others for helping on the weekend.
2010 Results are available through the link below. You might also check out our facebook site for a B2B album of great photos.
