RPM report

Riverland Paddling Marathon

SUCCESS AT THE 2011 RIVERLAND PADDLING MARATHON

 

 

For the 24th consecutive year the Riverland community has viewed with interest as a host of canoes, kayaks, surf skis, outriggers and even surf boats have descended on their community over the long weekend. The spectacle was not confined to just the river with the streets of the Riverland towns alive with water craft of all sorts on the tops of cars or on specialised trailers.

The event, which is held annually over the three days of the QueenÕs Birthday long weekend is one of AustraliaÕs premier long distance canoe marathon events.

The Riverland Paddling Marathons (RPM) is actually four paddling events in one with human powered paddle craft taking to the Murray River in either the Murray 200, the 200 Relay, the Murray 100 or the MiniMarathon. And to add to the options this year the organisers opened up a single day entry option.

This yearÕs event was held in very fantastic conditions. Saturday and Sunday were very pleasant days on the river with cool conditions and only occasional wind fom the South or South East. Sunday was a cool start to the day but the sun was shining for most of the afternoon.

The youngest paddler on the water was only 14 and the oldest was 75. Interestingly the gender balance was pretty close to 50/50 but there was a great diversity in boats on the water with kayaks, canoes and a number of outriggers as well as a surf boat.

Some outstanding performances were achieved this year but the individuals who broke or set records is too long to mention individually.

There were paddlers from Brisbane, New South Wales, Tasmania, Perth and of course a big contingent of Victorians. In fact more than a third of the field came from interstate this year and several prominent members of the Australian paddling fraternity participated.

There were several novice on the water and a large contingent of returning paddlers. Ashley Bell won the Junior incentive prize for an outstanding effort on the water and the West Lakes Canoe Club won the club incentive award.

The local community of the Riverland benefited significantly from the RPM event with over 1000 people visiting the Riverland area over the three days to either participate or view the event. Waikerie Football Club was particularly supportive of the event, hosting a dinner on the Saturday night for over 100 people.

Great thanks must go to Martin Finn, who now in his 14th year as Race Director has kept the event going with his great organisation. The assistance of our Canoe Medic First Aid volunteers, Rescue Craft and emergency service personal was also greatly appreciated as was the assistance provided by the Scout Association Radio group. Also thanks to Greg & Kathy Roberts, David & Sue Speck, Gerry Brayne, David & Wendell Rizolli, Greg Bristow, Wendy Bristow and the ever smiling Thomo and of course many thanks to you the paddler.

The Marathon Canoe Club of South Australia specialises in long distance paddling and competition on predominantly inland, flat water.  The marathon discipline is considered to be any paddle or race longer than 10km. For more information contact the club through MarathonCanoeClubofSA@live.com.au

 

Results