RPM Murray 200 km – New Challenge in my Stellar SES
Andrew Gray, Melbourne Kayaks
I am surrounded by kayaking, kayaks and kayakers. I run a kayak store in Melbourne. I store four kayaks in the lounge room. I met my partner kayaking.I love the sport and wished I had been introduced to the sport as a kid. I envy K1 paddlers that make it look effortless.Shortly after crossing Bass Straight in a kayak last year the surgeon advised – “No more long distance paddling due to blood clots.” Should I listen? For many of us paddlers, kayaking keeps us sane and life in perspective.
I wanted to have a crack at the Murray RPM 200. It is the only one missing from the list- Hawkesbury Classic, Murray Marathon. So planning began, all focussed on Queens birthday weekend, 208 km, three days. It was going to be Very Flat…. NO Flow or Assistance.Trying to heed both the surgeons advice and the well meaning (nagging) advice of caring family members, I needed to make changes to satisfy everyone that this was achievable and safe.
The RPM attracts all types of crafts. K1 is the fastest craft on flat water and would zoom past me. I envy/respect their abilities to keep them up for 70km each day, but when the wind picks up or you need a drink or food the chances of falling in the drink in winter become very real.
I can’t change the hereditary factors that contributed to the blood clots but modern medicine such as blood thinners could reduce the clotting, however they make me feel like crap.After my last long paddle the clots occurred in my lower calves. I choose the Stellar SES for a number of reasons but the minimal ‘hump’ means there is no contact with the boat during leg drive this reducing the likelihood of bruising and compression caused with the centre hump in most skis.
So how does the Stellar SES stack up .After 6 weeks of training in the lead up to the event, followed by the actual RPM, I can say I like it, a lot. The Stellar SES holds it’s speed but it’s a different beast compared to other similar level skis. The Stellar has a slightly flatter hull which gives it a bit more stability and confidence. The nose seems to lift quicker when you start accelerating onto a wave or chasing a runner. In previous long distance races I end up rubbing two holes in my lower back to such an extent that I’m accustomed to taping up the two point on my pelvis which I call bullet holes. The seating position in the Stellar is a lot different and because long distance paddling is about time on your bum – being comfortable is critical. The comfort level of the Stellar made a huge difference during the RPM.
Andrew of Melbourne Kayaks
Melbourne can get bloody cold. I splashed out and bought the optional cockpit hatch. At first I was apprehensive. Many Multisport competitors are looking for a boat for a range of different events. Being able to add a cover to an Ocean Racing Ski is brilliant. I’m not saying it hasn’t been done by other manufactures but it really worked on the RPM especially in the mornings. On the first day it was 3 degrees, foggy, still and dark. In the afternoons when I was cold and wet paddling into a headwind I could feel the cold seeping in and I was thankful that the cockpit cover gave me that extra bit of protection. Contrast this to Hawkesbury Classic several years ago when it poured for most of the event and I was sitting in a ski in the dark, feeling the chill set it with no protection. Reducing the exposure from wind and rain by adding the cover was welcome feature of the Stellar .
Thanks Pepi…First time support crew
It doesn’t matter who produces the boat – Kayaks and Skis can fail on the seams. I like the massive seam tape on the Stellar and though it might be a minor point it gives me piece of mind that it’s not going to fail on the join line.
Back to the RPM….it’s a fantastic event and well organised by the Marathon Canoe Club SA.
The Murray River from Berri to Morgan is stunning and different. The first checkpoint each day is at a lock. Entering the locks is a bit freaky for the first time and we wasted time each day on the bank getting cold waiting for all the paddlers to arrive. Waiting for everyone to arrive is a great time to load up on an extra banana before heading off again. The locks themselves are a pretty amazing engineering feet. We all paddled into the locks, heard the big doors swing shut behind us, and felt like we are sitting in a bath tub waiting for someone to pull the plug out. After the water level was reduced by about three metres, the front doors swung open and we paddled out.
I was really impressed with the range of boats that had entered and it was great to see so many people having a go. Long distance paddlers are a mad bunch and I think it attracts someone a little bit crazy. It’s funny I’m always amazed paddling is the easy bit. Finding someone who is prepared to put up with driving to the next check points, put up with the kayakers requests for Lamingtons, Bananas, Vegemite and Nutella wraps and listen to them crap on about what hurts for THREE DAYS on a perfectly good long weekend – These are the champions. Thank you to the Organisers and the Support teams for making it happen.
So if you can organise a support crew from within your work/family/friend network then there are a few more fantastic ultra paddling races coming up. The Murray Marathon and the Hawkesbury Classic in October. The Hawkesbury is a cracker….. 110k in the dark, partly against the tide – It would be great to organise a bunch of Stellar Paddlers to have a go. So do some research and have a look at the New Stellar SR or even the Stellar S18S and come and have a go.
Melbourne Kayaks
Melbourne
Andrew Gray
sales@melbournekayaks.com.au
M: 0407 334 103
P: (03) 9590 0825
2 Aristoc Rd., Glen Waverly VIC
Andrew at Finish
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