I started to learn to Paddle in a Kayak with the intent to determine if it was possible for me to one day compete in an adventure race.
Back in October 2010, I started out with a couple of lessons with Jarad from Peak Adventure down at sandridge surf lifesaving club in Port Melbourne, after a couple of lessons Jarad had me convinced that it was possible for me to take on a huge challenge, so I committed to go along, originally it was to be a little larger team kayaking in a double along the scenic Murray river...... however it turned out to be one great team of 4 who made the journey to the Murray this year in single Kayaks:
Jarad - Super Star Paddler, who makes every stroke look like he is striding down bay street on a sunny afternoon, filled with motivation, energy and the can do attitude that nothing is impossible
Emma - The woman who sets the pace in this challenge and turns out being tougher than anyone I know, don't be fooled by Emma's gentle personality, one competitive girl here!
Annette - one super human who celebrated her 50th Birthday along the journey and made it happen in a style that only Annette could take on.
and of course Myself - Newbie Paddler, and if some one tells me I cant do it, I make it my mission to do it!I had the daunting task to paddle a distance further than I had ever done in life and it came about on DAY 1, 29Km from Start to Alpha Checkpoint, now just quietly, I had a couple of things against me (well so I thought) the river was moving quicker than expected, I had a boat I had never paddled in and was a little less stable, and a distance that I consider impossible (no really I did) so understandably I had thoughts of disaster going through my head and one thing I hate more than anything in life Letting other people down, right about now I'm thinking why on earth did I sign up to a team, I'm going to stuff this right up and ruin my team mates experience of the week, on leg 1, day 1.
Setting off at the start line was filled with lots of emotion and hype, lining up in the river, the spirit of people wishing everyone success and my team mates standing on the side line probably saying "can this guy paddle ????"
In any case I was committed, and I had to find a way, before I knew it the gun is fired and I'm away, I let the eager paddlers take off, But surprisingly I managed to get a jump on a few folks which was kind of nice.some challenging water on day 1, and by far the most enjoyable challenge due to the challenge, I cruised on into checkpoint Alpha in just over 2 hours, WOW is this the checkpoint, I thought I was only half way gone, I had loads more energy to expand and tomorrow was going to see me smash to days effort well and truly out of the water.
Next off was Anette and than Emma, these two woman are sensational, they got in and gave it everything they had, Annette in an Endorphin a much heavier but stable boat, she did not let that slow her down and before we knew it she was changing over with Emma, than Jarad.......... the rest is history we celebrated our success of day 1.
Myself happier than I could have imagined.
The next few days the conditions changed, the river slowed, the heat increased and it was a different river, for me the challenge was learning to adapt and give it everything.
For me a couple of legs are must tells -
Day 1 - above
Day 3 - Arriving in Echuca, this was a great leg filled with people along the shore lines, paddle steamers and the typical Australian's along the river even two in blow up plastic thongs relaxing in the river I recall "Your right mate, your the fasted dude we have seen come down the river yet, just up around the corner and your home, Great work"
This is a very Australian character, I love it, it restore your faith in our community spirit and helping one and other out, but I can tell you it was not just around the corner, 15 corners later and the finish line in sight, now me thinking it was just around the corner I picked up the pace!!!! and gave it everything I had (well almost)
Coming into Echuca was great, the crowds were sensational.
Day 4 - Arriving into Swan Hill, I took the final leg of the race and paddled 21km into Swan Hill, this was great the adrenaline was pumping and I was determined to give it everything, we had slick change overs on the river and I even managed to pull off a river start on this leg, sneaking up on Emma at the checkpoint and doing a quick number change in full paddle!
Swan Hill coming around the corner to the finish was similar to a marathon, you see that finish line and the pace speeds up, your get your eye on the prize and let it rip, the banks filled with wonderful cheer and support, Annette Spotted me first, shouting support, some dude was swimming across the river and I'm like, wot tha, hes going to hit me, but no it was Jarad and just before I hit the finish line the bugger grabs hold of my rudder and stops me crossing the finish line, I paddle harder and harder till i get across than he fantastically tips me into the water, the journey was over...... and the end had come......
This was a great way to finish, team mates Emma and Annette supporting and cheering on, Jarad being Jarad and causing the crowd on the shore to break into hysterics and than me taking a dip, after a swim I did manage to get myself back in the Kayak and paddle in....Team Peak Adventure finished third, in the Great Adventure Relay of the Murray River.
If I was to sum up this week id say:
Incredible experience on the Murray with team peak adventure, meeting new people, making new friendships, enjoying a social week, meeting fellow paddlers all coupled with an opportunity to challenge yourself along some of the most exciting rivers and picturesque backdrops in the country. YOU must experience all this, to understand it..........
I will be back next year, and if I am up to speed possibly in the full distance solo....... I need a support crew for this one, so Think about it! or paddle along next to me :)
For those who have not seen my 2011 Plans drop me an email for the info.......
Oh BTW we all raised a few dollars for charity along the Journey, which is just great, excellent work team Peak Adventure.
Cheers
Jeff
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