The tides were tough, but Armidale kayakers put in outstanding efforts at the annual Myall Classic near Tea Gardens on Saturday 13 September.
The Myall Classic is one of the ‘Big Three’ flatwater marathon races in Australia along with the Hawkesbury Classic and the Murray Marathon.
Three paddlers from The Armidale School kayaking club came first in their divisions.
In their second year competing in the 47 km event, Harry Wright and David Williams took out the junior men’s double in a time of 5 hours 10 minutes, while Jack Bishop was the fastest single in the 27km event, crossing the line in 3 hours 40 minutes.
Difficult tides meant a number of boats were turned around at the half way mark, failing to make the average 7.7km/hr speed for the 47km event.
The event was used as one of two lead-up paddles to the 111km overnight Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, to be held at the end of October. The other will be held at Grafton early next month.
David Williams and Harry Wright (yellow vest) celebrate winning the fastest junior double in the 47km event at the Myall Classic on 13 September.
