While the Manning River Dragons have a formidable record of paddling overseas at exotic locations like Hong Kong and Hawaii, the Ord River Marathon was a chance for individual paddlers to combine their love of dragon boating with individual and group travels in Western Australia, Northern Territory and the red centre. And what a day it was. Getting out of bed at 4am and starting the paddle at 7am below the Argyle Dam wall, proved all in a day’s work for the hardy bunch of mature-aged paddlers. With well-earned stops for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea along the way, and some absolutely stunning scenery, the team arrived in Kununurra around 4.30pm in high spirits ready to party.

Along the way there was never a dull moment with steep ochre coloured gorges, lazy freshwater crocodiles, intriguing birdlife, and even a few rapids to negotiate early in the event. While the marathon length of the event really put the 15 paddlers’ endurance skills to the test, it was a test they passed with flying colours. Sweeps Warren Blanch, Jennifer Schubert and John Roetman took it in turns to sweep the boat, with crew members regularly changing their positions to keep motivated. This was helped along by supporters from all the clubs who travelled alongside in a spectator boat, providing moral support, cheering and lots of photos.

The Ord River Dragons did an amazing job organising the logistics of this remote event – one that the Manning River Dragons won’t forget in a hurry.

Manning River Dragon meet for training sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 5.10pm and Saturdays 7.45am at the river end of Manning Street behind the Exchange Hotel.

The club needs more paddlers to join our club so come and give it a try.

Contact club president Julie Adamson on 0429 094 635.