2017 Ord River Marathon
Sunday 11th June from Lake Argyle to Kununurra
Participants’ Handbook
The Kununurra Dragon Boat Club is proud to welcome you to the 2017 Ord River Marathon.
Whether you a returning paddler from previous marathons, or paddling the Ord River for the
first time, you will be inspired by the East Kimberley landscape and plentiful freshwater of the
mighty Ord.
This Participant Handbook contains all the information you need to stay safe and have a great
time at our event. Once you have read this handbook, if you have any further questions please
ask one of the Committee at our Saturday night welcome dinner, or send us an email
([email protected]) .
Enjoy the amazing East Kimberley!
Schedule of Activities
Saturday10 June
4:30pm
Competitor briefing and boat allocation at the Lakeside Resort, 50 Casuarina
Way, Kununurra.
Sweeps will be given a dedicated detailed briefing at this time.
5:00pm
Dinner at the Lakeside Resort outdoor poolside dining. Bar available.
Sunday 11 June
4:45am
Buses depart Kununurra for Lake Argyle Resort.
The primary pick-up point is the corner of Messmate Way and Victoria
Highway (“The Big Boab”).
*You will be advised of any additional pick-up points at the Dinner on Saturday night
when we establish where paddlers are staying.
5:55am
Breakfast at Lake Argyle Resort (assorted muffins, breakfast wrap, cereals, toast,
yoghurt, fruit, juices, tea and coffee).
6:30am
Paddlers and supporters reboard the buses and are transported to below the
Argyle dam wall for the start.
6:55am
All competitors at their boats and spectators board the Triple J spectator boat.
7:00am
Final instructions issued to all competitors.
7:05am
MARATHON START
9:30am
Morning Tea at Triple J Camp in Carlton Gorge.
11:00am
Stretch and toilet stop at Echo Point (spillway creek).
1:30pm
Lunch at Crossing Falls Boat Ramp.
3:30 - 4:00pm
4:30pm
Finish at Kununurra Kimberley Land Caravan Park.
Outdoor celebration drinks, presentation and dinner at finish venue.
6.30pm (onwards) Bus return to Kununurra accommodation at 20minute intervals (on demand).
Kununurra Town Map
Course Map
Participant Information
“Up the creek …………..”
Participants please remember to bring your own paddle to the event.
However, each Dragon Boat comes with a sweep oar.
Comfortable Seating
Participants are encouraged to bring along their favourite cushion to sit on for the 55km journey
– preferably the cushion you have used during training. Our boats are aluminium with an
aluminium bench seat (approx. 200mm wide and range from 930mm-1080mm long).
Sun Protection
Participants can reasonably expect perfect Kimberley dry season weather – clear sunny skies
and warm daytime temperatures.
Please remember your hat, sunscreen and sun glasses for the paddle. Remember the tops of
your feet (paddling without covered footwear and your legs in the sun).
Hydration
Always a great idea to have a personal water bottle with you for the entire day. There will be
opportunity to refill at all stops along the way.
Many locals drink water directly from the river – but once you drink form the Ord you may end
up staying for ever.
Warm Clothing
Kimberley clear skies can see night temperatures drop quickly.
When departing the bus at the Lake Argyle Dam Wall, there will be an opportunity for you to
hand over your warm clothing for you to collect at the finish line. This will ensure you will be
warm and dry for the evening’s celebration.
Please pack your cloths in a named bag for collection and transport.
Guide for Support Boats and Sweeps
Safety Information
Our objective is to make the event as safe as possible for all crew and craft on the water.
The following is the procedure, should a dragon boat capsize:
 Prior to leaving shore all crew number off from front to rear of boat.
 Upon capsize, the crew will NOT approach the dragon boat.
 Each crew member will try and establish contact with their buddy (usually the
person seated next to them in the boat).
 Under NO circumstances is a crew member to swim under the boat.
 The sweep will ask for the crew to number off to establish all are present (if the
sweep is indisposed then his nominated second will carry out this duty).
 Once all are accounted for, the people on the port (left) side will approach the boat
and attempt to right the boat.
 The boat has positive flotation and can then be swum to shore with crew members
hanging on to both sides of the boat.
Support Boat Skippers
The biggest issue for dragon boats is avoiding capsize from the wakes of passing boats. We
would also like to suggest preferred methods of approaching a dragon boat when called in for
support, such as food or water re-supply. You should avoid stopping your boat in narrow
sections of the river to allow the dragon boats plenty of room to manoeuvre.
Always pass dragon boats with your boat travelling at speed and on the plane. Make sure you
give as much clearance as possible. Passing at slow speeds creates a significant wake that has
the potential to swamp or capsize. If travelling in front of a dragon boat, make sure you keep a
minimum of 200 metres distance.
If you are called to a dragon boat, you should preferably approach from the rear and a slow
speed. Alternatively, if you are in front of a dragon boat, the sweep will come to you and in this
case you should hold your position with motor at idle.
Dragon Boat Sweeps
To attract a support boat, the sweep will hold one hand high in the air and wait until there is a
reciprocal signal from the boat.
To attract a support boat, for first aid assistance, the sweep will hold both hands in the air and
cross the forearms. A rescue boat with a first aider on board will attend immediately.
If the support boat is to the rear, the sweep will then call the support boat in by bringing the
hand down to touch his / her head. Repeat this action until the boat moves in your direction.
If the support boat is in front of the dragon boat, it will slow to a stop and wait for the dragon
boat to come along side.
Please follow these guidelines and have a Safe Event………