Ord River Marathon Dragon Boats

Go for 2 & 5 Ord River Marathon

2010

This event is staged by Dragon Boats Northern Territory and run by the Kununurra Dragon Boat Club.

Sorry – The Event is Full

Sunday June 13th 2010

This will be the Ord River Dragons seventh Marathon event that continues to grow in popularity. The event has attracted paddlers from all States of Australia and more recently New Zealand to take the challenge. We continue to attract large numbers from Dragons Abreast paddlers and are grateful for their support. In 2010 it we plan to have 5 boats in this spectacular paddle down part of the Ord River. Why not start your planning now to escape that cold southern winter and visit our wonderful area.

Although dragon boats are capable of carrying 20 paddlers we restrict the numbers to 14 paddlers and one sweep per boat for logistical & safety reasons. You are encouraged to reserve your place early to avoid disappointment. Team nominations are accepted along with individual entries who will be required to join in with a boat that has room. You will be required to bring your own paddle unless prior arrangement is made for us to loan you one. Team entries are requested to supply their own sweep (person, not the oar) and consider having an alternate sweep to rotate throughout the day. You should be aware that there is only one point along the entire 55klm trip that is accessible by road and that is the lunch stop (see the map). We therefore use powered support boats to follow us all the way to ensure your fluid and energy levels are maintained and to assist should any person or boat get into difficulty.

The paddle starts below the wall of the Lake Argyle Dam and concludes in Kununurra on the foreshore of the Lilly Lagoon where you will be treated to celebration drinks. There will be a minimum of two stops prior to the lunch stop at Crossing Falls. Basic toilet facilities will be available and snacks/food is provided at these points. As we don't encourage it to be a race our past experience indicates 6 to 7 hours paddling time is required. You will be treated to some breath taking scenery and have the satisfaction of completing a unique event in the Dragon Boat world.

A rest stop to admire the View

IIt is however not going to be all hard work. On Saturday evening (7th) there willl be drinks and an informal meal at venue to be determined. It's a chance to meet the other participants and time for a last minute briefing on the day ahead. It won't be a late night as you will have an early start the following morning. Transport will be provided departing from your accommodation no later than 5:15AM. It takes nearly an hour for the 70km trip to Lake Argyle where breakfast will be provided. At the end of the paddle their will be a celebration Bar-B-Que and a chance to socialize with your fellow paddlers.

The logistics of staging this event means we are in general unable to cater for non paddling visitors on the day of the event. You may wish to enquire with Triple J Tours for availability on one of their cruises. There is only road access at the start, lunch and finish locations and if non paddlers want to attend these venues the transport will be your responsibility. If you are intending to bring any children with you we regret we are unable to offer any minding service whilst you are paddling. Any non paddler wanting to attend any of the social events planned is welcome and you are asked to contact us with your details so a price can be advised.

Accommodation

Kununurra has a range of accommodation available but as the event is being held at the beginning of the town's tourist rush you are encouraged to book early. For bookings or other options please contact the Kununurra Visitors Centre on 08 91681177. Some web sites to check out are listed below. Note that as Sunday afternoon and evening is centered around the Lakeside Resort you may find it convenient to book some of the variety of accommodation available there. Other options are however only a short taxi ride away so feel free to use which ever one you prefer.

The Kimberley Grande

Kimberleyland Holiday Park

Lakeview Apartments

Kona Waters Holiday Park

All Seasons

Country Club Hotel

Ivanhoe Village Caravan Resort

Kimberley Croc Backpackers

Kimberley Court Motel & Backpackers

Nomination Forms

There will be a limited number of places available and this is subject to boat availability from Darwin plus availability of busses for transport and availability of support boats. We envisage a maximum of 5 boats which means 70 paddlers and 5 sweeps. Entries will be on a first in best dressed basis so to avoid disappointment get your nominations in early. Should we become over subscribed names will be taken for a waitlist. The deadline for nominations is Friday 2nd April 2010 by which time we require a completed Nomination Form and a $25 non refundable deposit for each paddler. Total cost of the event per paddler is $240. The final balance is required by 30thrd April 2010.

Nomination Form

Paddler Consent Form (each person to complete and return with final payment)

Map of the Course

Map of Kununurra

What you get for your money

· Saturday evening Pre Paddle Dinner @ Award winning Pump House Restaurant

· Transport to and from the Saturday evening function

· Bus transport from Kununurra to Marathon start below Lake Argyle

· Breakfast. Morning Tea, and Lunch on the 13th June

· Free cruise (paddle) down the beautifully spectacular Lake Kununurra

· Support boats with water and energy foods during the paddle

· 2010 Ord River Marathon T-Shirt