Members of the Bendigo Canoe Club have made history by breaking a record at last month’s Massive Murray Paddle from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill.
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The BCC members teamed up with the CWA Yarrawonga team – Chicks With Attitude – on the five day 404km paddling marathon.
The squad was competing in the RKL2 W Open Relay class and finished with a time of 39:50:42, beating the previous record by 0:41:25.
Both of the CWA teams placed fifth and seventh within their category (19th and 21st in overall results) and raised a total of $4500 for the National Centre for Farmer Health.
BCC member Marian Blake said the massive marathon was a real challenge for all of the participants.
“Even though the river was flowing well, we all faced weather with searing heat, thunderstorms, 50km head winds and hail,” Blake said.
“When it hailed on day four there were suggestions from race organisers for boats to pull out due to risk of hypothermia.
“Team captain Adele and I were paddling into the 50km head wins when we heard the crack of hail on our boat.
“We had a laugh and kept on paddling, there’s no other option once you’re out there but to keep on paddling.”
Fellow BCC members – mother and daughter duo Karen and Ebony Merlo – finished second in their category and 16th in the overall results.
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