2025 Ultra Marathon Opportunities

LCRK has always had strong participation in a range of accessible and iconic ultra-marathon events. For 2025 the events include:

Myall Classic - Sat 20 Sep 2025

Results summary for LCRKers below

Race Report - John Duffy

Dylan said the answer is blowing in the wind. Well, there should have been answers to world peace, climate change, eternal happiness, and living to 150, because it was certainly was blowing from 9am onwards.

Knowing it was going to be very windy meant my race plan was just to get through it. Two hours in and the strategy was altered to just survive; there were certainly no grand illusions of a good performance as I have a natural inclination to tense up in windy conditions.

You could see the gusts coming towards you across the water (>35km/hr), and hear the gusts coming from behind because of the noise through the trees. I just had to regularly stop during those gusts as the wind was grabbing my blade. Many times I glanced down at my GPS to see 6km/hr; I was surprised as I thought it would be slower.

The wind never let up and at the traditional risky sections 1-2km from the finish where the side wind was particularly fresh, I just said bugger it and turned into the wind and headed off course and into the lee side of the islands for an extra 300m.

Most LCRK paddlers managed the day OK, including the less experienced and hats off to the K1 and K2 crews, particularly Dymtry and Naomi/Alex who made it seem effortless, especially through the big open sections where the side chop was in excess of 30cm. It was wonderful crossing the finish line, getting friendly faces to help and listening to Tony’s favourable commentary on the finishers.

It was a superbly run event, camaraderie and encouragement was obvious on the water, and the fact that everyone of the 30 trophy recipients stayed for Don’s presentation and personally collected their trophy suggests that everybody else thought the same. (And no, the wind did not provide me with any answers. In fact I have more questions, like why after paddling for 30 years did the 2025 Myall give me a big blister on my butt.)

Below: JD setting a blitering pace upstream (photo: David L)

Race Report - When Tailwinds Lie and Headwinds Tell the Truth - Alex Roberts

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in nearly three decades of paddling, it’s this: experience counts for a lot. Conversely, a lack of experience can end your race in the most embarrassingly silly ways. Which is why, for the Myall 47, I made the clever decision to partner with Naomi Johnson – a paddler so experienced that she could probably complete most of these events backwards and blindfolded.

The main topic of conversation that evening was the weather. Would the predicted winds arrive? How strong would they be? Would they ruin our race, or merely ruin our hair? Nothing like a bit of meteorological uncertainty to sharpen the nerves before 47 kilometres of hard slog.

Saturday morning I woke up full of energy, which fate quickly confirmed I would need. At 9am sharp we were off. Naomi, being both fearless and fast, set a blistering early pace. I, being both loyal and mildly terrified, decided not to question her strategy and simply matched her cadence. Within a few moments we had shaken off the entire 9am start group, except for our fellow LCRK club mate Dimi, who latched onto our wash like his mortgage depended on it.

Soon we found our rhythm, the sort of steady, hypnotic cadence that makes you forget how long 47km really is. My mind drifted, and I entertained myself with imaginary playlists in my head - loudly sharing the particularly catchy choruses with Naomi, who I suspect appreciated my DJ-ing talents about as much as she appreciated the headwind later on. Speaking of speed, by the time we reached the turn, our GPS was showing an average of 12.9km/h. Impressive! For about three blissful minutes I convinced myself that my super-secret training program (consisting mostly of rest days for the last two weeks) had paid off. Unfortunately, reality struck: this was less about me becoming a surprise endurance phenom and more about the fact that we’d had a generous tailwind shoving us along for the past 10km.

Then we turned. Suddenly, as Naomi wryly pointed out, Newton’s laws applied with crushing inevitability. The tailwind that had been our best mate was now a furious headwind, and the water went from “glass-flat Instagram paradise” to “washing machine set to extra spin.” Our speed dropped like a rock…

Here, though, our boat choice saved the day. The Carbonology Sport Ultra K2 – a speedster with just enough volume and speed to keep us upright as waves attacked us at 45-degree angles. To my great relief, Naomi and I seemed to still be sitting perfectly, which left me just enough mental space to think about pushing hard in the final kilometres once the chop cleared. I had one clear thought: this was just the warm-up. Because, as I learned the hard way, the Hawkesbury Classic I’m supposed to be preparing for isn’t a neat out-and-back like the Myall. No, it’s a point-to-point. Which means that instead of gliding heroically back to my car at the finish, I’ll be dumped somewhere 111km away, tired, smelly, and desperately hoping someone I know remembers to collect me. A detail I perhaps should have realised by now…

Still, that’s paddling: a sport where logistics can be more daunting than the distance, and ignorance can be bliss - at least until the start gun fires. So, I’ll keep training, keep pretending I know what I’m doing, and most importantly, keep hanging out with people that know better than me.

Below: Alex and Naomi tackle the return leg

Race Report - Reflections on the Myall Classic Race - Dmytro M

The Myall Classic has always been one of the big milestones on my paddling calendar, and this year was no exception.

Preparation
For me, it all begins long before race day. The Saturday long sessions, marathon races around NSW, the nationals in Perth, and the training camp on the Gold Coast alongside paddlers preparing for the World Championships—all of it builds toward this race.

When I checked the start list, I saw a mix of familiar fast paddlers I’d raced before and some new names I didn’t recognize. It was clear from the start: this was going to be a tough one.

Strategy and the Start
Having done the Myall a few times now, I knew the real challenge is managing energy, nutrition, heart rate, and—most importantly—staying in the boat. (Last year, an unnecessary swim costed me dearly).

The day started early, waking at 4 AM and driving down from Sydney. After some last-minute prep, I was on the start line. I expected the Alex and Naomi duo to set the pace early, so I positioned myself next to them, hoping to stick with the front pack and keep ahead of my key competitors.

Sure enough, they took the lead right away. I managed to sit on their wash, and before long it was just the three of us out front. Holding that position was tough—I had to push hard just to stay with them—but I quickly realized the best strategy was to hang on as long as I could and hope the chasing pack wouldn’t reel me back in if (or when) I eventually dropped.

The Middle Stretch
That plan worked well. With a good tide and tailwind, we made good progress in the first half. But the race quickly turned nasty once we rounded the mark and faced the headwind and chop. By then, the chasing pack was only 500–600 meters behind—close enough to keep the pressure on.

Thankfully, all those windy sessions on Narrabeen Lake paid off. They gave me the confidence to handle the messy conditions on the return leg.

The Final Push
I managed to hang in for nearly 40 kilometers before my body finally gave out. From there, it was pure survival paddling across the chop—just staying upright became the goal. Those last kilometers felt endless, but eventually the finish line came into sight.

Crossing it was a huge relief. Friends helped me out of the boat, and even though I was completely spent, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

Results and Reflections
I finished second overall and first in a single—my best result yet at the Myall. It was a brutal race, but also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had on the water.

Organisers Report - Tony Hystek

To all our wonderful volunteers and paddlers in the 2025 Myall Classic… Thanks for supporting this iconic event. It is your participation that ensures this event carries on into the future.

The organising committee has welcomed several new members thank you, who have taken on important roles this year ensuring the future growth and quality of the event. In no particular order, I’d like to thank the following people who made this event happen:

  • John Duffy and Richard Yates …managing the entries system, making last minute changes, generally staying unflustered in a ‘complicated entry system’ world.
  • Duncan Johnstone….site manager, producer of signage and banners, scrutineer, etc.
  • Matt Swann…safety officer who went above and beyond with safety boat deployments and briefings, and liaised with the SES during the event.
  • Merry Sugiarto…once again organising high quality merchandise and stepping up for safety boat duties at the last minute.
  • Esther Wheeler…Registrations and finish line assistant to the timekeeper and event registrations.
  • Alanna Ewin…sounding board, caterer extraordinaire (lunches for volunteers/post race food for paddlers) plus race shirt exchanges and lots in between.
  • Don Johnstone…my shadow for the day, delivery excellent paddler briefings, and numerous other jobs that just needed doing
  • Chris Johnson… statistician and tireless promoter of the event. All those social media posts and artwork didn’t happen by magic.
  • Pauline Findlay… filling in roles where needed
  • Safety boat crews…Trevor Nichols, Darren Williams, Steve Wooden, with photographer David Little, and a local, Rob Gallagher. The event couldn’t happen without the contribution of these crews and their personal boat donations for the day.
  • SES… They have supported the event every year since we started, always friendly and doing this voluntarily. Alanna’s lunches certainly encourage them!
  • Tony Woodfield…amazing Maritime Officer stationed at Tea Gardens, ensuring that our event is safe and doing whatever is needed to keep the powerboats at bay.
  • And lastly all the LCRK paddlers who supported the race in great numbers and assisted with setup/pull down of the site even after paddling for hours in challenging conditions.

We’re desperate for some more volunteers next year to fill the gaps, so we’d love to hear from you if you can assist. We have a great time organising and running this event. Join in and be part of it!

Below: Some of the volunteers at Timekeeping station (photo: Duncan J)

Wyong 30 - Sun 28 Sep 2025

From CCP: We are gearing up for the 2025 30km, which I invite your paddlers to attend, perhaps as preparation for this year's HCC. We need to run it over three laps again, as yet another tree has fallen in, 1.4km upstream of the start, at Lions Park

We have relaxed the "Members only" rule on the Trophy, which was introduced in 1995, due to the Trophy not being returned, since 1980

Entries are invited for the 2025 30km Van Stappen Trophy on Wyong River, for paddlecraft, starting, and finishing at Lions Park, Panonia Road, Wyong, 28th September. It is run on handicap, for added interest. The Van Stappen Trophy is for the Fastest Time, and the Handicappers Trophy is for Fastest time in Single Craft for Members/Visitors, Male/Female.

Held on the section of river, from near the mouth, to Lions Park, in the shadows of the Railway Bridge in Wyong. Consequently, there are three laps - two of about 11.3km - and a shorter lap to make up the 30km. The "Bottom" turn is the Red and White channel marker, near the mouth, ("Red Pole") - the "Top" turn is a yellow 20 litre drum, 100 metres downstream of the Start/Finish Line. The third, and last turn, is a very large yellow buoy, (with a cage on top), over a kilometre upstream from the first turn. See diagram below. This is an excellent location for Photographers in the latter stage of the Event.

Estimated Finish Time is 11:30am. Safety - courtesy of Shelly Beach Surf Club. Lifejackets to be worn. Entries, including type of craft, M/F, with two suitable, recent performances (for handicapping purposes), to the Secretary, centralcoastpaddlers@gmail.com by Sunday 21st September. Entry is $20 - payable "on-the-day," at Lions Park. Refreshments will be provided. Also, a draw for Lucky Prizes.

REPORT (from Central Coast Paddlers)
Hi Members and Friends, A warm day, with quite a bit of wind at times, but no rain or storm! Everyone paddled well in the Club Races, with Trevor earning a PB - well done! The 30km Van Stappen Trophy was very well received, with a Visitor, Arnold Graf recording the fastest time, today! Arnold has not raced with us before, but is no stranger to the Tacoma area of the River, having trained there in previous years. Murray, from BWP, was second, in front of Mick, also from BWP. Both often race with us. Alanna & Tony from the Lane Cove River Kayakers, were 4th. Andrew, an "up-and-coming" local lad, was 5th. The well known Anjie, (24hr Paddling Record holder, I think!), teamed up with David (probably, just as well known) in a sleek SLR2 to finish 5th. Cassandra, from Windsor, having her first race with us, was 6th. Another local was Marni, who was not far off her last year's time. Local, Noel, racing over this distance for the first time, should be well pleased with his effort. LCRK President, Don, was well short of his two previous times in this race. Local, Trent, did a very respectable time, in this, his first race 30km race. LCRK Paddlers, Wade, Duncan & Matt completed the field, in respectable times, given the conditions. I would like to thank the many helpers who contributed to the success of today! Firstly, the Timekeepers, Diana and Margaret, who also organised the tea, coffee, Prizes, etc. Andrew - Bali Flags, Vice President Rob - Gazebo, Top Turn Marshall - Ken, and All who helped clean up afterwards. Secondly, Robbie's Shelly Beach Surf Club crews, who looked after the Paddlers, and placed, and retrieved, the Race Buoys. Finally, LCRK's Don, who helped with "local knowledge" for the handicapping, and his Club for ongoing support for this Event. Congratulations everyone! See you next year - bigger and better? Nick.

Clarence 100 - 10-12 October 2025

It’s The Clarence 100– 10th Anniversary Marathon!

The Clarence 100 – 3-day, 3-stage river marathon covering 106km of the stunning Clarence River and Northern NSW waterways. From the bush to the beach, this race takes paddlers through the Clarence Valley with glimpses of the unique biodiversity and opportunities to visit historic riverside towns such as Copmanhurst, Grafton, Ulmarra, Brushgrove, Maclean, and Yamba.

You can paddle the full distance each day or split the distance in a relay team. Each day can be finished by lunch, and you are free to soak up the atmosphere of the region.

🚣‍♀️ Who can enter?
Everyone! From elite athletes to weekend warriors, paddlers take on the challenge in surf skis, kayaks, outriggers, prones, and SUPs. Compete solo, pair up, or form a relay team. Age groups run from juniors all the way to 70+.

📅 Key Dates:
* Sign On Night: Thu 9 Oct, 5:30–7:30pm @ Crown Hotel, Grafton.

  • Day 1: Fri 10 Oct, start 7 am, 40km from Copmanhurst to Grafton. The split for the day is 18km and 22km.
  • Day 2: Sat 11 Oct, 42km from Grafton to Maclean (Start : SUP/Prone 7am, all others 7:15am). The split for the day is 22km and 20km.
  • Day 3: Sun 12 Oct, start 7:30am, 25km from Maclean to Yamba. The split for the day is 11km and 15km. Finish Line: Whiting Beach, Yamba 🎉
  • Presentations: Sun 12 Oct, 1:30pm @ Yamba Golf Club (light refreshments 3–4:30pm)

With over 110 competitors registered already, it promises to be a BIG ONE!

The countdown is on – come paddle (registration is still open), or cheer and celebrate 10 years of the Clarence 100!