Hi there,
The idea of paddling the Murray from Albury has been lurking for a while now, and, well, it's time to either put up or shut up, so I have a a few questions that will probably cause a fair bit of eye rolling from many of you, apologies for that.

Apart from my year 9 outdoor ed class and a day kayaking in Thailand a few years ago I haven't sat my ample behind in a kayak much. My plan is to get to Albury (I currently live in Indonesia) buy the gear and get going.*Let the eye rolling begin* There is no time frame at all on this journey and as such I thought I would just ease into it very gradually taking whatever time is required to build up fitness and distance gradually. Doesn't worry me if I only bang out a few kms each day in the first week or two.

The Dumb Questions

Q1. From what I understand there aren't any rapids below Albury apart from a small section a few kms out of town. Is this right? If there are how complicated are they and could a novice  get through?

Q2. I don't mind the cold (Lived through winters in the Himalaya) and thought of commencing the trip in May. Any river concerns to consider through winter? Will head winds be ridiculous? What's the best time to start the Murray?

Q3. Although I have been researching kayaks, could anyone  recommend one for this trip? Are good second hand kayaks easy to find in Victoria, or should I go new?

Q4. Am I just being a goose to think I can just get in and go?

Q5. Anyone in or around Albury with Murray river experience that would like dinner and free beer in exchange for advice and answering more dumb questions?

Thanks to anyone who takes the time, it's appreciated.

Cheers
Hammockman

Hammockman,

You should also read Rowen Privett's write-up from the above mentioned trip on Paddle Australia at...

www.adventurepro.com.au/paddleaustralia/pa.cgi?action=details&id=MurrayRiver3

Best wishes for what is sure to be a great adventure!

Hammockman,

I'm not sure if he still is, but, Rowen used to be based around Albury.

He is a very competent, friendly and approachable guy who is more than happy to share his knowledge and experience.

His email address is provided in the Paddle Australia write-up mentioned above --- why not email him directly and see if you can manage to get together?

This would probably be your best bet in terms of getting the best possible information.

In terms of boats, a sea kayak would probably be best suited for this type of trip. You could keep an eye on the 'For Sale' section of this forum for a second hand boat if you're happy with that as an option --- get something you are REALLY comfortable in for such a long journey.

I would also suggest you spend as much time in your boat before the trip as you possibly can and a few lessons would also be of considerable benefit both from a safety and skills point of view.

If you are not aware, there has been a lot of flooding in NSW and Queensland recently, it's quite probable that a lot of water will still be making it's way into the Murray in May and you should keep a close eye on river levels, below major confluences in particular --- higher levels will make for a faster, but, potentially more hazardous journey due to many factors including flood debris amongst other things.

Again, best wishes for your trip and please let us know how you go here on AP's forums.

For those who may be interested, I found this to be a particularly good read. http://www.timshoney.com.au/kayak/

Cheers
Hammockman

Wollemi - That's a really encouraging post and I thank you for it. Hearing others who have under taken similarpursuits with relative inexperience helps a lot.

The Tweed Heads to Townsville paddle of yours is a grea t accomplishment and must have confronted you with many challenges of which I would be interested in hearing about.

There is a little trepidation to do with my inexperience and certain aspects of my paddle, but I hope, as you have shown, with commitment and common sense they can be done safely without incident. Or embarrassment.