2x2 Relay 2025
2x2 Relay - Calendar!
2026 Dates so far!
- Sun 25th Jan 2026 - Team Naming Theme - Australia Day!
- Sun 22nd Feb 2026 - TBA
- Sun 22nd Mar 2026 - TBA
2x2 Relay - Entries & Procedure
Make it as social or as competitive as you like ... it is a handicap event after all.
- Please enter your team (or as an individual) by emailing lcrkers@gmail.com by Fri before the race
- Handicaps will be emailed to you the night before
- Your team must start on the allocated time
- Keep to the right of any oncoming paddler
- Anti-clockwise turn around the 6km marker and 2nd of the 2 buoys at Wirrong rocks
- Standing start at changeover for same course, boats to overlap when switching to the other course
- Please make yourself familiar with the new course (see description below)
2x2 Relay - Join in the fun!
2x2 means 2 boats x 2km laps for a total 8 laps (4 alternate laps for each boat).
This is a fun handicapped team event that is held on a Sunday once each month (except during winter).
Starting at around 7:45am (depending on your handicap) and finishing within 2 hours it does not take up too much of your Sunday. It is followed by a post race gathering and debrief and usually morning tea for those that can stay. Enter as a team of 2 boats (any boat combo) or enter as a single and we will try to match with someone.
It starts and finishes at the pontoon, with changeovers at the pontoon as well from a standing start. Each team of 2 boats, alternate between 2000m sprint efforts from the pontoon to the 6km marker and return. The relay is completed when each team has completed 8 laps i.e. 2x 4x 2000m (16 000m of sprint total).
It is a great social event too. All standard of paddlers are welcome as handicaps are applied based on speed. Family teams are encouraged as it is a great way to introduce kids to racing for fun.
Sprint paddling 2km as fast as you can is a great workout. And each team boat does that 4 times. This is a very valuable exercise when leading wash ride packs and to practise managing physical and mental exhaustion. It is a mental exercise just as much as a physical one as 2000m (estimated 9-13 minutes) is a long distance when paddling at 80 - 100% effort.
Watch the club website for the next up and coming 2x2 relay. It will always be on a Sunday once each month but which Sunday in month will vary to fit around other paddling events.
Fundamentals:-
- Enter by emailing lcrkers@gmail.com by Fri before the race
- Handicaps will be emailed to you the night before
- Your team must start on the allocated time
- Keep to the right of any oncoming paddler
- Anti-clockwise turn around the 6km marker
- Standing start at changeover
Left: Team paddlers change over each lap (Photo: Wade)
Right: Trying to catch the paddler ahead is the main aim (Photo: Wade)
Course The course alternates every 2 team laps between a downstream course and an upstream course.
- Laps 1 and 2 - from pontoon to 6km marker return
- Laps 3 and 4 - from pontoon to the 2nd of the two buoys at Wirrong Rocks return
- Laps 5 and 6 - from pontoon to 6km marker return
- Laps 7 and 8 - from pontoon to the 2nd of the two buoys at Wirrong Rocks return
Note that change overs on the same lap course are from a standing start. Change overs when switching to different course the team boats just need to overlap and can be moving.
Sun 14 Dec 2025 - Christmas Edition! - family fun day
'Twas time to enjoy a fun morning of paddling, getting a great workout and celebrating the festive season. The PDF report from the day is available above (including a recap on the 2x2 paddling season).
A taster from Duncan: “In our last 2x2 of the Year, the Christmas relay, the Grinches thought they were given good reason to live up to their name typically mumbling and grumbling and complaining their way around the course. One was overheard muttering about how he hated Christmas. But there was one ray of light amongst the grumpy old men in the form of a wonderfully bright and bubbly first time paddler, Abi, who showed the Grinches what the spirit of the day and Christmas was all about..."
23 Nov 2025 REPORT - Team Naming theme is Music to Paddle to
It started bucketing down at about 6am and I wondered how many 2x2ers might decide it seemed a sensible idea to pull the plug for the day rather than go out paddling in drenching conditions. Turns out none of our intrepid paddlers dropped out. The rain eased to a sprinkle by the time the first Team started and by the time we finished it was sunny!
It was a fun morning of paddling with some close racing. Due to the rain at the start it was decided that timekeeping on this occasion was best done from under Epping Rd Bridge. This meant the the course now had one short lap (approx 1.5km) and one long lap (approx 3.5km).
Congratulations to Merry and Esther for coming home first, only half a metre ahead of John T, who once again completed all 8 laps on his own. The gap between 3rd and 4th was equally close with Jeffrey and Lee just a nose ahead of Duncan and Tim. Caroline and Chris D were less than a minute behind in 5th.
Back markers John D and Ian H had to deal with the largest handicap ever set (based on current Crudslime Cup handicaps) but stuck to their guns to come home in 6th. Young Justin and much much younger Steve W put in a good effort to finish 7th. Andy and Kev, after some early set backs with course directions enjoyed their morning in a very social manner to be at the tail of the field.
A couple of timing observations. John D and Chris D, whose teams started on different handicaps, paddled their first 2 laps to exactly the times. Also Ian H paddled his two downstream laps to exactly the times.
Given the theme of the day, the plan was to have music playing from the pontoon based on team names but rain forced us under the bridge for timekeeping where a good flow of water was the dominant noise. It was interesting and varied music selection that the teams chose. Check the details below.
Also special mention to Duncan and Tim for decorating their boats as per the music theme Sounds of Silence!
Above: Duncan and the Sounds of Silence
26 Oct 2025 REPORT
Full report from the day in the above PDF. Results summary is shown below and just one of the many photos from the Flickr album of the day.
Above: Best Dressed was a dry argument - definitely Tim McNamara in Todd River attire.
14 Sep 2025 REPORT
Hope you all had a fun start to the new 2x2 season! Thank you for your new commitment to the relay and embracing our new course.
Attached is my report and a few pics on flickr at the link above
We are looking forward to seeing you back for more next month!
2 x 2 Relay - Sunday 22 June "Iconic Aussie Fashion"
Dust off your closet and pull out your most Aussie-inspired outfits, because it’s time to celebrate the quirky, and unforgettable styles that make Australia fashion so unique! From outback chic to beachside vibes, from classic cork hats to Aboriginal design – we want YOU to showcase your interpretation of iconic Australian fashion.
📅 Date: 22nd June 2025
⏰ Time: around 9am depending on your handicap
Dress Code:
Come dressed as your version of Iconic Aussie Fashion. Whether it’s a Steve Irwin-inspired khaki ensemble, a pair of Ugg boots, board shorts, Akubra hats, or even a nod to the unforgettable '80s mullets – the sky’s the limit!
Prizes for:
🏆 Most Creative Outfit
🏆 Best Interpretation of Aussie Icons
🏆 Funniest Aussie Fashion Throwback
RSVP to lcrkers@gmail.com by Friday 20th of June 11:59pm. Start times will be sent to you on the 21st in the late afternoon.
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2 x 2 Relay - Sunday 25th May from 7:30am - It's Rugby League Season!
Report sooooon!
Happy Rugby League to all! Will we see the Sharks vs the Eels? Maybe the Dolphins vs Sea Eagles? Will HG and Roy be the official timekeepers and commentators?
2 x 2 means 2 boats x 2km laps for a total 8 laps (4 laps each boat).
Come along and enjoy the fun and get a great workout. You can do the relay and easily make to a Sunday lunchtime appointment. Bring along the family or friends for a paddle.
Enter a team of 2 boats, singles or doubles or combo. Each team boat does 4 alternate laps x 2km. That makes it 8 laps per team. You will be surprised how tiring the 4 laps can be.
First team boats need to be ready to start at 7:45am. Lap change overs are from a standing start. The event will be complete at around 10am and if you stay for morning tea we usually finish up by 10:30am.
This months’ team naming theme is ‘Rugby League’. Please enter by sending an email to lcrkers@gmail.com and nominate your team name according to this months theme.
Please bring some food to contribute to the table if you can stay for morning tea afterwards.
Handicaps will be issued late Saturday afternoon before the relay on Sunday via email.
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2 x 2 Relay - Sunday 13th April 7:30am - Rapid Rabbits on the Run - A 2x2 Easter celebration of "Famous Bunnies"!
Sun 13 April was the opportunity for a bit of a paddle in beaut Autumn paddling conditions. Thanks to Caroline for organising and timekeeping - and to Caroline and Chris D for the report (see the PDF link above).
A short extract to whet the appetite:
..'The relay format is pretty exciting. Its 2km flat out then rest, right? Except you’ve got to do it four times. It feels a lot longer than 2km the third and fourth time. The best part, though is doing it as a team, as you don’t want to let your partner down. The other great bit is the cheeky banter between teams during the rest...
2x2 Relay - Sunday 16th March 2025 - 7:30am - (Theme: Shakespeare!)
- Photos on Flickr
- 2x2 Report (5 page PDF)
Good day, valiant competitors and esteemed supporters,
I write to thee this fine day to recount the glories witnessed at this morn's 2x2 relay, wherein each participant, like a character of valor in Shakespeare's grand plays, did perform with agility most commendable and spirits high.
I extend my deepest gratitude. Verily, the day was made brighter by your efforts and camaraderie. Find yon document annexed hereto, appended to this missive for thy perusal and consideration. regards, Caroline and Wade
2 x 2 Relay - Sunday 9th Feb
Today’s 2x2 theme “New Year resolutions” represented a rich embroidery of personal commitments, each reflecting deep aspirations for growth, awareness, and balance. There were near perfect conditions for the first Relay of 2025. Warm, little to no breeze and mostly cloudy. Some paddlers will say it was very hot when the sun was out and you had just finished paddling 2km at max revs. Understandable.
11 Teams entered, 11 teams started, and 11 teams finished. Nine of the eleven teams were all on the 8th and last lap together, so the handicapping wasn't too far off.
As you can see from the beautifully handwritten results sheet, Lee and Nam as team “Unresolved” had an outstanding day on the water and came across the finish line first. They copped a bit of bagging for a couple of running starts on changeovers, unaware as newcomers, that all starts must be from standing starts. It did not matter though as they were 40 secs ahead of doubles combo, Craig and son Spencer, and Tony (Keg) and daughter Jessica. Well done team "Half Cheezels"!
Another 36 secs behind in 3rd place was team "Retire me" with John Thearle and Tony Hystek. John has become a 2x2 specialist, usually only getting to paddle when the relay is on in recent months. Tony did well to resist the temptation of wrecking his shoulder by not paddling too hard as he recovers from injury.
The time gaps for the remaining finish positions were:
- 4th 1m 5 secs - Andrew Pearce and Tim Mc as "Consistents"
- 5th 1 sec - Pete A and Caroline as“Look up and look in”
- 6th 1 min 46 secs - Kim Stokeld & Don & Esther as "Finding balance"
- 7th 32 secs - Scott and son Eli and Chris J as "Scott's day out 2025"
- 8th 2 secs - Justin & Derek as "Wake up Dugongs"
- 9th 54 secs - Pauline and David "Start the engine and embrace the wind!"
- 10th 2 mins 26 secs Anne and Lyndsay as "LAPS (Lyndsay and Anne Paddle Strong)"
- 11th 5 mins 7 secs - Duncan & new paddlers Rhys as "Only forward strokes"
Thanks everyone for another top morning of paddling with friends and family. Good fun all round!
Resolutions made today like "LAPS (Lyndsay and Anne Paddle Strong)" and "Only forward strokes" emphasized the necessity of collaboration and consistent effort. They suggest, success is often the result of perseverance and teamwork. This theme of balance and stability continued with resolutions such as "Finding balance" and "Consistents," which strive for equilibrium in life's various aspects.
In the spiritual and introspective realm, "Look up and look in" urged individuals to seek guidance from higher powers while simultaneously delving into their own thoughts and motivations. This dual approach encourages a holistic view where spiritual connection enhances personal insight, contributing to a more integrated and grounded existence.
Personal awareness was also highlighted by the "Wake up Dugongs", who called for attention to dormant issues, sparking a reawakening to neglected values. "Start the engine and embrace the wind!" captured the essence of embarking on new journeys with resilience, ready to face the challenges ahead. "Scott's day out 2025" marked the importance of setting significant personal milestones that bring joy and meaning to our lives, reminding us to plan for more 2x2s and cherish these moments.
"Unresolved" complemented those themes by embracing life's inherent uncertainties and complexities, acknowledging that not all questions have clear answers. Moderation and the pursuit of a fulfilling post-career life were also prevalent themes. "Half a Cheezel" advocated for restraint in our habits, while "Retire me" expressed a yearning for liberation from daily toils, aiming for a peaceful existence in later years.
Together, these resolutions demonstrate a community that is actively engaged with both, the challenges and opportunities of life. We collectively aim for a richer, more balanced, and insightful existence, embracing both the journey and its inevitable ebbs and flows of 2025.
