Well the Australian Championships are upon us. Wednesday was a big day for getting everything ready at the venue. My job with the help of David Brown and Brenden Welker was to supply boat racks and trailers for 90 interstate boats. Many other volunteers, (in fact heaps) put up tents, flags, the portage trail, a grandstand and lots of other jobs so the event lead
by Doug Hodson is truly on it’s way.
Amongst the near 300 competitors, there are now 22 paddlers taking part in the novice race at 3.30pm on Saturday. I think this is the first time ever that a novice race has been part of a National Marathon Championships. These paddlers had never raced before this year so it will be an exciting time for them. Most paddlers have been taking part in
the Tuesday and Thursday short handicapped time trials, which they have really enjoyed and has helped to increase their fitness and confidence.
It has been a wet cold day today Thursday but that didn't deter paddlers from testing out the portage ramps. It's going to be a great weekend not just for paddlers but for spectators.
I'm going to have a very tough race as we have several really good paddlers who have come out of the woodwork and are very fit at the moment.
Good luck to all paddlers.
