Back 2 Back Race Report
What a perfect weekend of weather at Murray Bridge over the weekend. The flow was strong with high water levels, the river access outstanding and the venue was better than expected. The Murray Bridge Sailing Club and adjacent facilities is a fantastic facility that we hope to return too on the 1st weekend in May every year.
Saturday afternoon was warm with light to almost non-existent winds on occasions as more than 50 paddlers took to the water for the twilight Bridge to Bridge Race. Only 4 paddlers opted for the 8km short course with everyone keen to have a hit out before the coming RPM. The Sunday morning Buoys Race to Avoca Dell was a well supported race despite the conflict with Mother’s Day. 12 craft paddled on Sunday morning in the most glorious weather you could ask for; crisp coolness with a warm sun overhead and absolutely no wind.
Congratulations to the West Lakes Canoe Club who won the substantial cash prize of $500 provided generously by our event sponsor Colonial First State. The large number of juniors from West Lakes was trestament to their ongoing youth development program.
Many thanks to Martin Finn who acted as starter on Day 1, Sue Speck who was timekeeper with assistance from Renee Stanley. Thanks to Jim Murphy & Todd Lienert for the extra good work on the rescue craft. Also thanks to Emily & Bevan for acting as safety paddlers. And we should thank Fran Dedai, Pip Archer, the Keogh family and others who helped clean up the venue in record time.
For those who are interested in their times the actual course distances were Day 1 Long course 20.5km, Short course 8km. Day 2 Long course 20.5km and short course 11km.
Event sponsor – Colonial First State: for Funds Management & Investment Platforms
Race results are published below with some photos of the weekend. However you you can also check out more event photos on Facebook just search for Marathon Paddling if you are not already a friend.
You can receive regular South Australian Marathon Paddling News by emailing a request to MarathonCanoeClubofSA@live.com.au
