"IT'S as much a mental race as a physical one especially for the second half of it, and you've got to be in the right head space. But it's incredibly rewarding once you've finished."
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So says Bronte Garcia who this weekend will be backing up for a second year, paddling with 31 others from The Armidale School in the gruelling overnight 111km Hawkesbury Canoe Classic.
Last year, Garcia and her paddling partner Katie Allen were one of a handful boats to make it to the end before storms caused the race to be truncated at the 100km mark, something she hopes paddlers won't have to endure this year.
Starting at Windsor and finishing near Brooklyn Bridge, the event has been a staple on the TAS adventure calendar for 39 of the event's 43 years.
Eight girls, 18 boys and six adults will take to the water in various combinations, trusting in their navigation skills and paddling practice on Malpas Dam north of Guyra over the last several weeks.
The pairs of paddlers include three father/son combinations and a father/daughter pairing.
Amongst the first timers is Tamworth's William Benham who with partner Thomas Stinson will paddle in a Mirage kayak that has special significance for Will.
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"It's name is 'Grant Harris' after one of my father's favourite teachers at TAS who also worked with my mother's parents at TAS, so we're hoping that might push us a long a little bit," he said.
Not that the pair are relying on serendipity alone.
"We've done about six training sessions on Malpas Dam including a long night paddle. It's going to be pretty tough but will be a good thing to have done and it is also helping raising money for the Arrow Bone Marrow Foundation which is a really good cause."
The event is also one of the four qualifying challenge events for the TAS Triple Crown, awarded to those who complete a trifecta during their time at TAS - the others being the 2km Coffs Ocean Swim, the 14km City to Surf and the 254 Tour de Rocks charity cycle ride from Armidale to South West Rocks.
Paddlers will be supported by a land crew of parents and staff who will assist them through the night.
"Whether our paddlers are doing it for the first time or backing up again, each will be facing an enormous personal challenge - and the ability to rise to that is no doubt a reason for it's enduring appeal at TAS," said Headmaster Murray Guest, himself a veteran of eight 'Hawkesburys'.
