2024 Marathon Series
Main.2024MarathonSeries History
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%width=640px% Attach:20240407VHJames1.jpg|''Above: Dmytro (No 104) staying with the pack pack in the long course (photo Steve Shelley)''
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%width=640px% Attach:20240407VHDmytro1.jpg|''Above: Dmytro (No 104) staying with the pack pack in the long course (photo Steve Shelley)''
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!!!The Nationals - My Reflections - by Dmytro
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!!!The Nationals - My Reflections - by Dmytro Medvedyev
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%width=640px% Attach:20240407VHJames1.jpg|''Above: Dmytro (No 104) staying with the pack pack in the long course (photo Steve Shelley)''
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Others to enjoy strong results in their respective classes were Cassie, Pauline, Dymtro. Congratulations.
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Others to enjoy strong results in their respective classes were Cassie, Pauline, Dmytro. Congratulations.
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!!!The Nationals - My Reflections - by Dmytro
This was my third Australian Marathon Championships, and despite not performing as strongly as I had hoped recently, I was still excited to compete in Adelaide. Having decided to compete very close to the race date, I did not commit to racing in the team boats and focused on K1 only.
After a short warm-up, I joined the starting line for the long course (20km). I initially started with the front pack, but after assessing the pace, I settled into a chasing group that better suited my current racing conditions. The four of us, Jason, Kelby, Garth, and myself, worked well together, taking turns leading and holding a good pace. All of us navigated the portages efficiently and maintained respectful racing throughout. In the final sprint, I utilized the strategy I used a few times before, overtaking Kelby just before the finish line to secure fifth overall and second in my age category behind Craig Elliot – a result I was incredibly happy with.
The next day, I supported my teammates in the doubles while recovering for the final race. Feeling confident after my long course performance, I paddled more aggressively in the shorter event. The field was quickly sorted out: Craig established a strong lead, with Kelby and me battling for second. I pushed myself to stay on Craig's wash for two laps, but he proved too strong and dropped me on the second portage. In the final lap, Kelby lifted the pace at the last turn, securing second place. Despite finishing third, I was pleased with my performance and ranked fifth master competing in K1.
I'm incredibly happy with my results and my teammates' strong performances. Thank you to the organizers, competitors, and supporters for making this a fantastic event!
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%width=640px% Attach:20240407VHJames1.jpg|''Above: James Harrington leading the pack at the portage''
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%width=640px% Attach:20240407VHJames1.jpg|''Above: James Harrington leading the pack at the portage (photo Steve Shelley)''
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* I get to wear the NSW state kit
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%width=640px% Attach:20240407VHDani1.jpg|''Above: Daniela looking strong taking the lead (photo Steve Shelley) ''
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%width=640px% Attach:20240407VHJames1.jpg|''Above: James Harrington leading the pack at the portage''
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!!!Festival of Paddling - Something for Everyone - by Wade Rowston
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%newwin%Festival of Paddling - Something for Everyone - by Wade Rowston
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Something for Everyone - by Wade Rowston
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!!Festival of Paddling - Something for Everyone - by Wade Rowston
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* I enjoy supporting, and being supported by, my fellow LCRK members and by NSW paddlers
* there is a great sense commeradarie amongst all paddlers even though there is a healthy interstate rivalry
* it is great to see Australias' best elite Marathon paddlers in action in the Open classes compete at the top level
* there are ICF and non-ICF classes (to portage or not to portage)
* I know I will be towards the back of the field in my class and age group but just enjoy the experience anyway
* there is a great sense commeradarie amongst all paddlers even though there is a healthy interstate rivalry
* it is great to see Australias' best elite Marathon paddlers in action in the Open classes compete at the top level
* there are ICF and non-ICF classes (to portage or not to portage)
* I know I will be towards the back of the field in my class and age group but just enjoy the experience anyway
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!!Nationals – Encounter Lakes, South Australia 5-7 Apr 2024
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!!Nationals – Encounter Lakes, Victor Harbour, South Australia 5-7 Apr 2024
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Something for Everyone - by Wade Rowston
Encounter Lakes in Victor Harbour is a man-made canal with beautiful clear water that snakes its' way past a number of sandy beaches and is surrounded by residentials. It is adjacent to the sea but is nicely protected from the worst of any wind. The neatly piled rocks of the riverbank served to absorb most of the wash created by the paddlers so there was no sign of anticipated bounce back wash.
The portage this year was on the main sandy beach and the adjacent park served as the main hub for the event. The host club was Encounter Lakes padllers, who with only 20 active members, did a superb job in conjunction with PadddleSA and Paddle Australia. The 3 day event ran like clockwork.
In my view it is good to consider these Australian Championships as a more a 'Festival of Paddling' rather than a gathering of elite paddlers. There are both ICF and non-ICF classes. The ICF (Internation Canoe Federation) K boat classes are for qualification to the World Champs and includes portaging up the the age of 65. There is no portaging for the non-ICF classes and Skis are allowed. There are a lot of very strong paddlers but there are also those there just giving it their best.
As an average paddler at best, I participate in these championships for these reasons:-
* the event takes you to river and lake courses and clubs around Australia (you can follow up with a holiday in the region)
- I enjoy supporting, and being supported by, my fellow LCRK members and by NSW paddlers
- there is a great sense commeradarie amongst all paddlers even though there is a healthy interstate rivalry
- it is great to see Australias' best elite Marathon paddlers in action in the Open classes compete at the top level
- there are ICF and non-ICF classes (to portage or not to portage)
- I know I will be towards the back of the field in my class and age group but just enjoy the experience anyway
The table of results below show that LCRK paddlers performed extrordinarily well. James H gave it his all in the Men's Open K1 ICF class in both the long and short course but could not quite stay with the lead group. With the continued dedication and enthusiasm that he shows for the sport I am sure James will be able to climb that extra rung or two of the ladder to be in the medals. He was rewarded with a great 3rd place in the Open Men's K2 paddling with young Matthew Gates from BGCC.
In the veterans age groups Daniella paddled superbly to win all 4 events that she competed in, a feat that earned her Veteran Paddler of the Championships. Congratulations!
Brett was also outstanding taking out gold in all 4 events that he competed in as well. A number of paddlers pushed Brett all the way in the long course, but as is often the case, he had that extra speed at the end.
Others to enjoy strong results in their respective classes were Cassie, Pauline, Dymtro. Congratulations.
If you have not participated in the Australian Canoe Marathon Championships previously then why not give it a go next year in Perth?
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%width=640px% Attach:202402WaggaMarathon1.jpg|Above: LCRK team pre-race photo at Oura Beach
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Racing Insights
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Racing Insights
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'''Race Report - Chris Johnson''\\
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'''Race Report - Chris Johnson'''\\
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'''Race Report - Chris Johnson''\\
THIS IS A GREAT RACE SO IF YOU DID NOT ATTEND THIS YEAR IT IS A MUST FOR 2025.
The Paddle NSW Marathon series kicked off on Saturday with the 26 km Oura to Wagga down river race. Race start time was 11 AM, temperature was circa high 20’s / low 30’s, with lots of sun. Paddlers arrived early out at Oura to get organised, catch up with friends. The SES had SIX rescue boats for the event (amazing support). The river was lower than 2023 but was running faster over the first 15 km (please don’t ask me to explain how a river is faster with less water).
Divisions 1 + 2 + 3 started together at 11 AM, followed by my Division 4 at 11:03 AM. All other divisions started before 11 AM. It was noted by a Div 3 paddler at the race briefing that Div 3 paddlers should preferably not have to start with elite Div 1 paddlers, a reasonable request – although timing systems were all set to go etc, so too late for a change.
For Wagga I was paddling a “new” Rocket which was a larger customise cockpit, which allows for full leg drive, rotation, similar to a K1. The Rocket is a very long down river kayak perfect for this event and much easier to control than an actual K1, in a swirling river. For hydration I had two bladders on the kayak floor so 2.5 litres of drink as it was hot.
In Division 4 there were 14 paddlers + a double + two other paddlers (ranking). Other Lane Cove Div 4 paddlers were John Duffy, Mike T, Roddy, Scott, Graeme J + Alison (Double Ski) & Jeff Hosnell. Warming up is interesting in a reasonably fast down flowing river, however with a little extra planning an upstream paddle for 200 metres, a quick turn and repeat(s) had most paddlers ready to float back in an orderly line across the river to the race starter.
The Race got underway with some swirly sections, a few paddle checks, but the Murrumbidgee’s flow + wide expanse allowed for a couple of packs to form, so after 1 km there was still 5 -6 paddlers stretched across the river. The pace in Div 4 was fast, but not crazy fast. I was placed with Scotty, Graeme’s double at the front, and a new ranking paddler. Scott provided some great tips , at 6 km David Lowe was catching us on the inside left, however we managed to stay in front. At 12 km a Tinny (fishing person) came upriver & this wash / bow wave upset several paddlers rhythm, thus providing a gap to open up for Div 4 paddlers who were more stable.
As the KM ticked over around 17 km it seemed to get hotter, and the river seemed to get slower, one of the two ranking paddlers who had taken a turn at the front suddenly declared they were “cooked” and dropped back. Then we got to the first road bridge, where I could not remember if the course was 23 km or 26 km, it was hot, must have been getting tired, then the water works on the left, OK so it must be 26km. By this stage I had slipped to second. We approached / passed the green bouy, final corner, effort to the line & finish. Very glad to get out of the kayak into the cool river. Very pleased to have all other Div 4 Lane Cove paddlers finish well inside 6 minutes!
Racing Insights
1. Being in the front pack it is hard to fathom how tired the other paddlers are getting. Plus if there are successive paddlers just behind is it best to let them have a turn, or go faster for longer or slow right down?
2. Being in the division lead for more than 30% of the event might result in excess energy expended / save some energy for the last 1.5 km and sprint home.
Well done Lane Cove River Kayakers great results see table on club website – next round is Windsor then the State titles in Canberra.
