Michael’s Massive Murray Paddle
Michael Parker with his trusty paddle!
Creswick civil engineer Michael Parker has embarked upon an epic challenge raising funds for Live4Life and spreading a positive message of mental health with his Massive Murray Paddle for Mental Health!
The MMP is a 5 day 415km paddling adventure race down the Murray River, in which paddlers raise funds to assist local charities or community-driven programs. This year celebrates the 55th running of the Massive Murray Paddle from 17 to 21 November. Paddlers are advised to be prepared. They will only achieve the total 415km, if they are at a very high level of fitness and have a solid paddling speed.
Michael has lived experience of mental health issues facing young people and was keen to support a program that puts young people at the centre. As a kayaking novice, he has begun a gruelling training schedule to build up his endurance over the next 10 months.
We'll be following Michael's progress as he paddles his way to the starting line in November. If you'd like to follow him too, or send him some support, check out his updates here.
Michael will be out in his kayak every weekend from now until the event in November
Q&A with Michael
Q. What do you like doing when you're not out kayaking?
A. I enjoy running, weight training, golf, surfing (when it’s warm) and time with my family
Q. What do you listen to or think about when you're out on the water?
A. Right now I’m thinking ‘don’t fall out’, ha ha. I’ll introduce some music into my training soon. I like lots of music, but mostly listen to hip hop, rock and nu metal.
Q. Why did you pick the Massive Murray Paddle?
A. My Dad attempted MMP back in 1994, but couldn’t finish due to heat stroke. Since he passed away suddenly in 2013, I have been thinking about finishing the race for him. A few months ago, I decided it was time and I signed up for MMP 2025.
Q. What are you giving up to make time for this?
A. This question hit my emotions a bit. I’m mostly giving up time with my wife and kids, as the majority of my training will be on weekends. I’m incredibly lucky to have such a supportive family.
Q. Are there any aspects of the event that make you nervous?
A. With the little kayaking experience I currently have, the whole thing makes me nervous. Not finishing is probably what makes me the most nervous though. I’m a big believer that doing hard and scary things build character and resilience. The training will be hard, which will hopefully prepare me enough to finish the race.
Q. Has there been anything that has surprised you about the process?
A. I’m still early in the journey, but I was most surprised by the amount of donations that have come in already. There are some amazing people out there.