On Saturday, June 1, 103 keen kayak marathon paddlers and their supporters from all over NSW and interstate made their way to Brisbane Water to mark the first morning of the Winter with a Marathon Race.
The race was organised by Brisbane Water Paddlers, a community-based club of local kayakers who train, race and paddle together.
The Davistown Marathon is the fourth race in a yearly series of marathon races run by Paddle NSW.
Weather conditions were varied with water in the morning being calm and flat with a strong outgoing tide to help paddlers kick-start their race but some grey, ominous clouds above.
After a race briefing and acknowledgement of country, the paddlers had a good understanding of the course and were split into divisions based on the distance chosen and approximate speed at which they would complete the course.
The paddlers made final adjustments to their kayaks, checking their steering, topping up their fluids and adding their racing number card before heading on to the water for a quick warm-up.
A floatilla of 100-plus kayaks in all different shapes, colours and sizes warmed up on the water, and then they were off.
Paddlers started the course at Davistown waterfront, heading west with tidal-assistance down Cockle Channel, passing St Huberts Island to a turning mark and then back again to battle against the tide.
There were five kilometre, 10, 15 and 20km distances on offer in five kilometre loops which meant the race could go anywhere from 25 minutes for the five kilometre divisions to more than two hours for the 20km divisions.
Marathon paddling is challenging as paddlers have to work together in a pack where possible to conserve energy while making sure to stay strategic and have enough energy to be first over the finish line – much like cycling.
There are also environmental factors to consider into a race plan for Brisbane Water such as strong tides, wind, boat traffic and seaweed which can cling and slow a kayak faster than a bag of bricks.
For divisions one and two the course also included a portage option.
A portage is when at the end of a lap paddlers have to paddle to the shore, exit their kayak and run around a 50m semi-circle on the waterfront all while carrying their kayak and paddle – then back onto the water for another lap.
It is a true test of fitness for anyone and a chance to make up some time on competitors.
As some of the paddlers began to finish their race the sky opened up and the rain unleashed a drenching.
Many of the paddlers still had 5-10km to go in their race and many chose to paddle through the downpour.
Despite the rain, it was an enjoyable morning for paddlers and supporters on the Brisbane Water.
Central Coast Marine Rescue was on hand in jet skis and a boat to support the event and keep an safe eye on paddlers.
The Avoca Kayak Club also participated in large numbers.
If you are interested in joining a local kayaking group, or trying out kayaking for the first time email Brisbanewaterpaddlers@gmail.com or visit their website.