Paddle power: Craig Smith (left) and John Carey will take part in the 2023 Massive Murray Paddle. Photo: Josh Huntly
Echuca-Moama’s Craig Smith and John Carey are expecting “a lot of pain” when they tackle the longest paddle race in the Southern Hemisphere, but it will all be for a good cause.
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Smith, 59, and Carey, 55, are undertaking the 2023 Massive Murray Paddle (MMP) starting on Monday, traversing the 415km stretch of the Murray River from Yarrawonga to Torrumbarry over the five-day race.
It will be the first time the local businessmen and Echuca-Moama Canoe Club members take part in the popular event.
“Neither of us has done (the MMP) before,” Carey said.
“I’ve been paddling for five or six years, Craig only started three years ago.
“It’s a big challenge for us and it looks like it’ll be pretty warm.”
The MMP, running since 1969, was cancelled in November due to the late 2022 floods.
Both men have dedicated hours of training a day to the cause and will alternate stints in their vessel every 20km with 30°C temperatures forecast from Monday to Friday.
Picturesque: Craig Smith and John Carey kayak through the Port of Echuca with the PS Pevensey overlooking the two men. Photo: Josh Huntly
But it will all be worth it as competitors once again tackle the gruelling course in the hopes of raising money for their respective causes.
Smith and Carey are raising money for Echuca Regional Health’s palliative care team, a cause they have already produced $400 for before hitting the water.
“They do an amazing job helping people die with dignity at home, or help keep them at home as long as possible,” Carey said.
“They’re an incredible bunch of staff, so to raise money for a cause like that is fantastic.”
Smith said 100 per cent of proceeds would make their way to ERH, and that the event had the added benefit of rekindling his love of the river, which was battered after flooding.
“It’s a great river, we probably don’t appreciate it as much as we should,” he said.
“It constantly amazes us how few people are out there.”
The duo will compete under the moniker of NFI (No Flaming Idea) in homage to the first-time competitors’ maiden appearances.
To donate, head to https://erh.org.au/make-a-donation/ and toggle the donation option for palliative care, typing in MMP in the honoree section.
The Massive Murray Paddle launches on Monday, February 27 from Yarrawonga, with competitors landing at Moama Beach from Picnic Point on Wednesday, March 1.
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