Dip paddles in to raise funds

Competitors may opt to race on only one or two days, but those who take on the entire course will travel 415 kilometres along the Murray River.

Day three will see participants conclude at Moama beach, before racing on to Torrumbarry on day four.

“We’re up to our 55th running of the race, so we’ve (been) going on a ridiculously long time,” event organiser Shannon O’Brien said.

“Hopefully, this is going to be our big year post-COVID, post a couple of floods.

“We haven’t really been in the true spirit of the entire race for quite a few years now, which has been very difficult, but so far it’s looking really good.”

The event has a variety of options for paddlers of all different crafts and ability levels.

“The only thing that we require is that you use a paddle, whether it’s a kayak, canoe, rowing, even surf club boats, stand-up paddle boards, we invite pretty much everybody,” Shannon said.

“Based on that, we have a very good matrix of all the different paddlers over 50 years and how people paddle.

There are also options to compete in teams or as part of a relay.

Along with the thrill of competition, the Massive Murray Paddle has also been a significant charity event over the years.

“We make it the prerogative of all the different paddlers to raise their own money for charity, and we just collate the amount and allow people to attach themselves to charities or local causes that are very close to their hearts,” Shannon said

Last year, Echuca Moama Canoe Club’s James Graham claimed overall race honours in the event.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.mmp415.racing