PORT Lincoln dragon boat club Blue Water Raiders have added to their growing list of achievements by recently completing the gruelling Ord River Marathon in northern Western Australia.

The marathon, which is held every two years, consists of a paddle from the base of the massive Lake Argyle dam, down the Ord River to the township of Kununurra, a distance of 57 kilometres.

This year dragon boats from Sydney, Darwin, Kununurra and Port Lincoln took part in perfect ‘dry’ season weather.

About 20 paddlers journeyed north by various means, accompanied by a support crew of partners and camp followers.

Most incorporated a holiday in the ‘top end’ either side of the marathon weekend and various social activities while there.

The day started with a 5am start for the bus trip to the Lake Argyle Tavern where breakfast was provided, and then on to the base of the giant dam where the five dragon boats were awaiting their crews.

The marathon is not a race but a test of endurance and the boats keep in sight of each other most of the time.

The first stage was through the spectacular Carlton Gorge with the help of a four knot current, and was probably the most enjoyable part of the trip and the most scenic.

It was shortly after this stage the Port Lincoln ‘sweep’ probably took her position a little too literally and was swept off her feet by a low hanging branch.

As her gallant crew yelled a warning and ducked for cover she was left suspended on the tree branch like one of the local fruit bats as the boat careered on downstream.

Reserve sweep ‘Lucky’ dashed to the back of the boat to save the day but this time his luck had run out – no sweep oar!

Ever mindful of the crocodiles in the river she hung suspended and despite her super effort, had to let go. She was very quickly hauled back on board.

The next stage was the hardest slog as the current diminished and with only a couple of rest stops, it was solid paddling all the way and a very severe test of guts and determination.

The Port Lincoln crew are used to short courses and race springs, and have had no training for endurance events so were doing it hard.

Meanwhile a crew of four of the camp followers were also doing it hard. They had hired a tinny and outboard motor and set off to provide moral support and perhaps catch some fish, but things weren’t going well.

All boats stopped for lunch at 3.30pm and a rest and massages were, in the main rejected, so they sped off to be at the finish line when the boats entered the home straight.

The Blue Water Raiders are renowned for their competitive spirit and were sure there would be a sprint for the line, but in the spirit of the event all five boats touched the shore simultaneously in a fitting end to a unique event.

Five minutes after finishing the sun went down.

The crew had spent 10 hours on the river almost continually paddling, had lent paddlers to other crews, had overcome any self doubts and were an absolute inspiration to their supporters.

With an average age closer to 60 than 50, the Blue Water Raiders were by far the oldest crew in the event and earned the admiration of all those who witnessed the event.

Port Lincoln can be very proud of them.