2019 Murrumbidgee 100

Childowah to Gundagai - 103 kms

Expedition Details:

Dates: 25-27 January 2019

Distance: 103 kms

Paddlers: 24 participants

Boat Type: 5m plastic sea kayaks and canoe

Launch Day 1: ///flame.echoed.blouse Nanangroe

Launch Day 2: 34 kms ///disappearing.tenderness.flank Jugiong

Launch Day 3: 41 kms ///downwards.mortal.tangent Sandy Reserve

Finish Day 3: 28 kms ///cooler.vertical.edible Ferry St Beach

Expedition Description: This is a relatively narrow and fast moving, yet safe three day journey. Problems included heat and people.

What did we learn about expeditions?

Planning: From a planning perspective, this was a relatively easy expedition, with a well known river and many exit points and assistance along the way. There was a disconnection between the plan, and the extent to which paddlers seemed to have read the plan. The group was too large and too casual to meet some of the challenges.

Boat Choice: Plastic sea kayaks and canoes were used. Many paddlers lacked the skills to manoeuvre plastic sea kayaks in moving water.

Fleet Flow: The fleet remained relatively compact during the trip, concertinaing when required.

Technology: UHF radios were invaluable when paddlers used them. In the end we were short one radio, and this resulted in some people swimming. Participants need to be trained in how to use radios effectively and efficiently.

Paddler Capabilities: There is always a balance participation and performance. Open the door too wide in participation, and performance can drop through the floor. The concept of ‘self-sufficient’ paddling seems to elude some, who left camping equipment in one car, and other stuff in another. Inexperienced paddlers preferred to camp out of their car boot than their boat. Building knowledge and practice around ‘self-sufficiency’ will be an important capability for the future.

Risk Management: Paddling 34 kms in 40+ degree heat is difficult. At times the oxygen was sucked out of the river valley, making breathing difficult. Enforced swimming on the hour helped to manage heat and exhaustion.

New Equipment: UHF radios