The 53rd edition of the five-day 415km event is a little different to previous years with the route on day one, from Yarrawonga to Tocumwal, repeated on day two, and day four’s trip from Moama Beach to Torrumbarry Weir will also be run as day five.
The decision comes as a result of authorities being concerned about the accessibility and safety of the ground crew at the checkpoints between Tocumwal and Picnic Point and within the Gunbower Forest.
Some 130 adventurous paddlers across 45 teams headed off down to Tocumwal on Monday and again on Tuesday.
Race organiser and owner of Sydney Harbour Kayaks Shannon O’Brien said he was just glad the event still went ahead and the river was in a good condition.
One of the highlights of this year’s race will be the ‘Be Bright, Be Seen Day’, on day three of the paddle.
Competitors will be encouraged to dress themselves and their craft in bright colours as part of the launch of NSW Maritime’s new safety message for people to be identifiable when they are in the water.
Mr O’Brien said there would be prizes given away to those who stood out the most.
“It just breaks up the seriousness of the race,” he said.
The Massive Murray Paddle is one of the world’s longest paddling races and has been connecting people, river and country since 1969. At 415km, it is the longest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts competitors from all over the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
The postponed 2022 Massive Murray Paddle will run until March 3.
• Days one and two: Yarrawonga to Tocumwal
• Day three: Picnic Point to Moama Beach
• Days four and five: Moama Beach to Torrumbarry Weir Boat Ramp
Event organisers are hopeful the November 2023 event will revert to the normal course route.
13°C