This October 26th I'm lining up for my 6th Hawkesbury Canoe Classic - a 111km overnight kayaking ultramarathon that is as much a mental battle as a physical challenge. This year, I'm paddling an ocean racing ski (ORS1), and aiming to beat my own fastest women's time of 9:28:55 set in October 2019. The tides are looking good, and I plan to have plenty of kilometres under my belt by the time I get to the start line. With a start time of 4:20pm, my goal should see me finishing between 1:30 and 2am on Sunday!
Alongside the thrill of racing, this event raises vital funds for Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation, helping to improve the lives of bone marrow transplant recipients through research and support networks.
The photo below is of me leaving Wiseman's Ferry - the 60km checkpoint - in the 2023 race. It has just gone 10pm, and once I leave the checkpoint there will be little if any light. I will continue paddling for another three and a half hours. I might be a bit crazy in choosing to keep going, or at least relinquishing a hot drink in order to get the race done just that bit quicker. But it's crazy for a fabulous cause, and I hope that you will give generously because of that.
|
Shaun Rennie Great cause. Toi Toi Toi and congrats |
$50.00 |
|
Amanda Cole |
$10.00 |
|
|
Anonymous |
$20.00 |
|
Sophie Wallace You won't get this message until after you've completed the race. I hope you achieve your goals for this year. I'm sure you'll be amazing! |
$50.00 |
|
|
Emma In der Maur |
$50.00 |
|
Nicholas Selman Amazing Naomi - good luck! |
$100.00 |
|
|
R R |
$50.00 |
|
|
Maddy Heanly Good luck Naomi! What a great cause and an even greater challenge. |
$50.00 |
|
|
Angus McPherson |
$50.00 |
|
|
Matthew Mack 🫡🫡🫡 |
$100.00 |
|
|
Meghan FitzGerald |
$100.00 |
|
|
Melanie Walters |
$20.00 |
|
|
Jen Meek As you’re making a splash in Hawkesbury, singing; ‘Canoe feel the love tonight’, we hope you have a ‘boat-load’ of fun. We know your love for canoeing is oar-ganic, oar-verwhelming even, but, we hope this race isn’t too much of an oar-deal! You will be OAR-SOME! This canoe is a true friend-ship. From, Naomi’s Capitol Campaigners – Proudly funding this ridiculousness since October 2024. |
$200.00 |
|
|
Steve Johnson Naomi, you are an inspiration to us all! God luck in smashing your record - we will be following you. |
$200.00 |
