Paddle from Mullumbimby to Brunswick Heads. Image courtesy of Mullum2BrunsPaddle.
The fourth Mullum2Bruns Paddle will be held on Sunday May 26, 2013. As you can deduce from its name, the main event is a 10 kilometre paddle from
Mullumbimby to
Brunswick Heads.
This eco-friendly family fun day has proven to be popular in the past. Last year 780 paddlers made their way down the beautiful Brunswick River in all manner of un-motorised craft, including canoes, kayaks, surf-skis, and stand-up paddle boards. This year why don't you join them?
If you're wondering what effort is required to complete a 10 kilometre paddle, then you might be pleasantly surprised. Paddling 10 clicks is as easy as walking the same distance; I would go so far as to say easier, particularly because the organisers of this event know their tide times. On the day, an ebbing full moon tide will help paddlers along the river by drawing them towards the river mouth (and the finish line).
The day is planned to go something like this:
7am. Register at the start line at Heritage Park in Mullumbimby. There will be stalls where you can grab a coffee and a bite to eat.
7.30am to 9am. Fun paddlers: Jump in the water at your leisure and make your way down the river as part of the
Echo Fun Paddle.
9am onwards. Competition paddlers: Wait for the sirens that will signal the start of the
Ocean Shores Tavern Paddle Challenge and the
Print Rescue Stand Up Paddle Challenge.
Once the last paddlers are away, the event will move to Terrace Park in Brunswick Heads, near the finish line. Down this end of the river too will be the
TURSA 1 km Board Challenge (starting from Torakina Beach) and, for the nippers and grommets, the
Mullum Sari Relays (between the bridges at Terrace Park).
At Terrace Park there will be food and drink stalls, free kayak and stand up paddle board clinics, a kayak expo and raffle, live music, a jumping castle, a massage tent, a duck race and more.
Mullum2Bruns Paddle: Paddlers at the start line at Heritage Park in Mullumbimby. Image courtesy of Mullum2BrunsPaddle.
For all of the 'challenge' races, there are cash and prizes to be won. There are also prizes to be won for the Best (most creatively) Decorated Craft, so let your imagination run wild and glam up your craft. But please keep in mind that this is an eco-friendly event. Please avoid decorations which might disturb the natural beauty of the river and its surrounds - all your craft should leave behind are ripples in the water.
The event is being organised by three volunteer community groups: Brunswick Volunteer Marine Rescue, Brunswick Surf Lifesaving Club, and Brunswick Heads Visitor Centre. Your registration fees will help these hardworking groups to do more good work for the community.
So go on,
register now as an individual, as a team, or join an existing team. And why not make a weekend of it? Check out these WeekendNotes for hints about the
Best of Brunswick Heads and
Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve.
