After a couple 25km lap time trials of Lake Burley griffin I wanted to do a double, so over the Christmas - New Year period I set off on the 50 km challenge. I paddled the Naish MC 14 foot race board which is a hollow construction with carbon/kevlar shell making it extremely light and strong, perfect for this long distance application.

Setting off from the boat house top of Burley Griffin I paddled the lower reach of Molonglo river then out across the basin towards the dam wall. Feeling good after the first lap I passed the half way mark (3 hours in) and pushed on, going into the second lap I starting to fatigue in my shoulders and lower back, keeping a decent pace up over the whole 50 km was the big challenge. The wind set in and made things a little tougher although lucky enough to be only a slight breeze. I hit the dam wall warning maker for the second time (37.5km down 12.5 to go) and I was finally on the home straight. This last section felt the longest of all four of them all, but made it back around the 6 hour mark.  

Thanks to all my family, friends and sponsors for an awesome 2012! Looking forward to spending even more time on the water in 2013! @naishsup @ocean_earth @natgeo_lovers @deanmckillop

The third week in a row I’ve been running around the country chasing the SUP events. Quite a good lifestyle that’s for sure! This week I headed down to Melbourne for the Great Melbourne Paddle, looking forward to my first big race in exposed water. Aidan from Naish came through in the big Naish van and picked my up for a road trip down the the big city. Stopping in Albury for a quick paddle with some locals after lunch, we paddled in this pond that looked like iced coffee. It was so thick of mud and sand you could barley whip it off after falling in or going for a swim, definitely a unique experience haha. Got to Melbourne and Aidan dropped me off with Street SUP where I was staying for the trip. The race was in a very scenic location and it was a fun course, I got to race on the new Naish 14LE, although I lacked a bit skill in choppy water its a great board and very fast. Coming in around 6th place (Still haven’t got results) I was stoked to paddle amongst Melbourne’s best paddlers over the 12k course. Hanging around for another couple days for the Hive Swimwear parade made that trip even better! Thanks Naish and Street SUP. 

The best event of the year! The Merimbula Classic, an event consisting of Kite Surfing, Wind Surfing, Street SUP and of course SUP. A four day event at the start of summer with what would have to be the biggest range of demo gear in the industry all in one spot. The Merimbula Classic had two SUP races on this year with the Beach to Bar and Battle of the Paddle taking place over the Saturday and Sunday. Racing with Andy, Adam and Mitchell on the 12’6 MC from Naish we placed second in the Beach to Bar and 3rd in the BOP. A great group of paddlers and some of the best in Australia made for a solid competition. There was plenty of touring around the rivers and ocean on SUP and a heap of fun was also had on the new gear from Street SUP. (Please excuse my filthy Moe, it was that time of the year)

The Burley Griffin 24 Hour Challenge was on again for 2012, with around 40 Stand up Paddlers turning up it was bound to be a great event. The High Country SUP team consisted of Brad, Kiaran, Dane and myself. Throughout the 24 hours we managed to paddled 187 Kilometres, and take out the 14 foot class and overall SUP categories. Thanks to all the SUPers out there raising money for Heart Kids and taking on the 24 Hour challange! And to the Burley Griffin Canoe Club and Wet Spot water sports for another great event.