Jarad Kohlar on the Murray River as he paddles ahead to take out the Open Kayak Solo. By Sarah Schwager
CRANBOURNE kayak paddler Jarad Kohlar has proven himself to be a paddle ahead of the rest after winning the popular kayak leg of the Murray Marathon, which finished on New Year’s Eve.
But Mr Kohlar said the five-day charity event was a ‘journey’ rather than a race, travelling down the Murray River, through Yarrawonga, Echuca, Swan Hill, and different natural environments.
“It’s more of an experience,” he said.
“You’re going through different areas, seeing it in all its beauty, and it’s for a good cause.”
Mr Kohlar finished first in the Open Kayak Solo class of the 404-kilometre Red Cross Herald Sun Murray Marathon with a time of 29.15 hours.
He was one of nearly 800 competitors who helped raise more than $320,000 to support local Australian Red Cross emergency services and community programs.
Mr Kohlar, 23, begins teaching as a physical education teacher at Maramba Primary School in Narre Warren this year after finishing his Diploma of Education in Outdoor Education.
Mr Kohlar, who has been kayaking for many years, is also a keen participator in multi-sport and adventure racing, triathlon-type events that can include off-road running, mountain biking and white-water rafting.
He said while he would like to race professionally, the sport was not big enough yet to make money out of.
“I do a lot of training,” he said.
“I wish I could make a career out of it, but it’s not quite at that stage yet. Perhaps in five or 10 years from now it will be.”
Despite this, he has managed to find a couple of sponsors, Melbourne-based outdoor clothing and apparel company Wilderness Wear, and Canoe Innovations, a kayak shop in Seaford.
Mr Kohlar said spending New Year’s Eve with other Murray Marathon competitors had been a great experience.
“Everyone forms a bit of companionship on the river with other paddlers over the five days,” he said.
“We celebrated in Swan Hill and they had fireworks.
“And after finishing the event, everyone earned that beer.”
His next big race on the cards is the Coast to Coast multi-sport race in New Zealand on 11 February, which holds a $10,000 first prize.
