Sponsorship of the Mighty Duo in the Hawkesbury Classic

[Anne Moore]

As most Klanners are aware, Simon and I are participating in the 111km Hawkesbury Canoe Classic this year. This is an overnight marathon paddle down the Hawkesbury River from Windsor to Brooklyn. We are taking the “Queen Mary”. (Photo above is of us on a training paddle.)

This is a charity event with proceeds going to the Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation (ABMTF). This Foundation is a small charitable organisation that raises money for leukaemia research and provides support to people undergoing leukaemia treatment. Further information can be found on their web site www.arrow.org.au. This is a worthy cause and most of us know someone who has been affected by leukaemia.

Each participant in this event not only has to paddle the distance, but also is required to raise donations via sponsorship totalling a minimum of $200. Therefore, we’re seeking some donations. Any small amount would be appreciated. Sponsorship donations can be made directly on line by credit card on www.canoeclassic.asn.au. Please note any donation of $2 and over is tax deductible.

Thanking you in anticipation of your donation.

Simon and Anne.

[Simon McGuire]

Let's see how many klanners we can get in there next year. I won't be a member of the NSWSKC next year so I might put myself down as a Kayak Klan member instead. It would be good to paddle it together and share the pain.

[John Anderson]

Well done on a superb effort to both of you and also to the dedicated and selfless ground crew too. I take my paddling hat off to you all. You have inspired me to get off the couch and do it next year.

With the growing number of competitors in this event, I hope that there will still be room for a long skinny orange boat in next years event.

Hi Selim,

I said the same thing this year, but I knew that with a little one on the way, it might be hard to make it happen. I now have a boat that might just go well for this, all she needs is a paddler with something approaching a forward stroke and a bit of fitness. I need to prepare for next year and I think I need to start soon. I do need a training partner though ................ You could even drag the Arctic Raider out and take her for a blast to blow the dust off occasionally. ........

[Selim Tezcan]

Simon >> "Selim I expect to see you enter next year! "
Yes, I hope so Simon. My forward stroke is not fully developed yet to allow me 111Kms in one day. I could do it this year but not without taking a risk of shoulder injury. I hope by next year, you and me, leopard and mirage side by side, finishing in top 5 :) it should be a lot of fun.

[Simon McGuire]

Selim I expect to see you enter next year!

[Selim Tezcan]

Cogratulations to Anne, Simon, Owen and Graeme. Great effort!.

[Simon McGuire]

What is with all those Mirage's!

[Owen Walton]

A few stats that may interest our NSWSKC Members; 18 NSWSKC members started the race; all 18 completed the 111 Km; 7 paddled Mirage 580s, 2 paddled Mirage 530s, 6 paddled Mirage 730s (Simon was the only bloke - the rest were girls), plus 1 Epic, 1 Tracer and 1 unknown. The fastest time was set by Rae and Katie in a M730 in just 11hrs 41min 22 secs. Just about everyone of them has stated that they will be back next year, (none have ruled it out!).

[Shaun Francis]

Congratulations to all involved. An extremely splendid effort

[Simon McGuire]

Well I have a very sore backside, stiff back and some soreness in my arms. Apart from that all good ;). It was great to have Owen and Graeme assist us through the day and night, they made it pretty much trouble free for us. Anne was a real metronome just getting in the groove and keeping at it. Early on I had to slow her down as there was no way I could maintain that pace. I don't know where Anne gets her energy but I am going to have to tap into some of it.
There was a few technical difficulties encountered. I got sick from the electrolyte drink that was made up and felt like I was going to throw up for a period of time however after a pain killer this soon passed. I also had a water bladder malfunction which I had to stop and fix. My paddling boots started cutting into me so I removed them and paddled bare foot. The second half of the paddle my right thigh started to cramp and was a real distraction. Given all this I am really happy with the pace we set even at the very end we sprinted the last kilometre or so to overtake a couple of paddlers and try and get in before 6am. It was probably the fastest we paddled all night.
The great thing about this event is the people you meet and speak with along the way. I would recommend everyone entering and giving it a go. Paddling in the dark and I mean the dark, is a very different experience especially over such an extended time.
Whilst there was a period this morning just before we finished when I was thinking there is no way I am doing this again, on the way home I was getting excited about doing it in the Sea Leopard with a GP (Fat Paddler style). I will be back next year.

[Graeme Auld]

This was the first time I have been involved in this event and I was tremendously impressed with the level and quality of the organisation provided.Everything is provided to make the job of both the paddlers and the landcrew as painless(???) and hassle free as possible. It is a great event.