Roar of approval for race
Kununurra Dragon Boat Club's decision to hold the Ord River Marathon annually instead of every second year has been met by applause from both paddlers and the local tourism industry.
Club president Bruce Somerville said the decision was made on the back of last year's ninth successful event and increased interest in the sport Australia-wide.
The event includes Kununurra Dragon Boat Club's representative team, Ord River Dragons, and attracts about 100 participants from around Australia each year for a non-competitive 55km paddle from Lake Argyle to Swim Beach.
Crews of four paddlers and a sweep, or steer person, take to the waters, while the local club provides five spare paddlers on the day.
Last year was the first time the club contracted local event company FitEvents to co-coordinate the marathon, which, after the event, Kununurra Dragon Boat Club treasurer Cathy Cummins said was a "great decision" and would help the event grow.
Mr Somerville said this year's event would also include a corporate day, where teams from Kununurra businesses would be invited to take part in a friendly race.
On the day, competitors meet for breakfast at Lake Argyle Resort before launching their boats at the dam wall about 7am.
Mid-morning, the teams stop at Triple J's camp at Carlton Gorge and Spillway Creek before continuing to Crossing Falls boat ramp and on to Kununurra ski beach.
Mr Somerville, who last year paddled 12km and swept 40km, said participants were booking as far as two years in advance.
FitEvents co-ordinator Glenn Taylor said two teams and 19 individuals had put their names down to take part since registrations opened last month.
The club provides the dragon boats, which means up to seven boats can compete, while 25 supporters can travel in an accompanying Triple J boat.
At this year's competition, Bidgee Dragons Abreast team member Sandy Doyle, from Wagga Wagga, said everyone on the dragon boat "grapevine" was talking "about the mighty Ord River".
The Ord River Marathon will be held on June 7.
Kununurra Dragon Boat Club trains every Saturday morning at 6am, and on Wednesday mornings in the lead-up to events.
To register or find out more, visit www.ordriverpaddle.com.au , phone Somerville on 0418 889 022 or email gt@fitevents.com.au .
There are a limited number of companion tickets available.
Companion tickets will include all meals and a trip down the Ord accompanying the dragon boats with Triple J Tours.
