Peter Charlesworth sets off from below the Yarrawonga Weir on Wednesday, March 22 to continue his world record attempt of paddling 2,800km on a stand up paddle board.
An Albury father of two who almost died from heart disease has set his sights on paddling the full length of the Murray River with no support crew while also attempting to set a new world record on a stand-up paddle board.
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For over 70 plus days and nights Peter Charlesworth, a professional photographer and author, will aim set a Guinness World Record by paddling 2,800km while also raising awareness and funds for The Heart Foundation.
Overnight stop in Corowa with locals. Photo courtesy of Peter Charlesworth Facebook.
In 2020 Peter underwent an emergency transfer to Melbourne for unexpected triple bypass surgery. After a gruelling rehab and recovery, he followed a calling to give back, and help Australians get on top of their cardiac health.
In 2020, coronary heart disease was the leading single cause of death in Australia, accounting for 16,600 deaths, this represents 10% of all deaths, and 41% of cardiovascular disease deaths.
Peter’s expedition seeks to reduce that number through advocacy and awareness.
After paddling past Corowa over the weekend of March 18 and 19 Peter arrived in Yarrawonga on Monday, March 20, already 528km into his journey.
“It’s been an interesting journey so far, paddling on Lake Mulwala on Tuesday was a bit harder, the chop from the north easterly winds was a little more difficult to navigate. The waves are faster and closer to together and go in all directions it was quite tricky and difficult.”
Peter said his journey so far has already been met with several challenges such as nearly losing all his equipment when he flipped his board while paddling around a bend in fast water in the upper reaches of the Murray River.
After five attempts he was able to retrieve his paddle board which had speared into an overhanging tree branch.
“I was nearly forced to cut the cargo straps off that were holding my equipment, if so, it would have been the end of my expedition,” Peter said.
Despite spending nearly two years building up his core strength and paddle fitness Peter has not avoided paddle fatigue and soreness.
“My back is OK but my feet were swelling up in the first ten days, so I have been using compression socks on and off to relieve the swelling.”
Conditions have also hampered some of Peter’s progress with winds on Lake Hume one day forcing him to paddle over 11 hours just to reach his target distance and destination.
“But there will be some days where if you are not gaining much distance into the wind you just have to pack up and restart again later or the next day.”
Peter utilised the stop in Yarrawonga to recharge, clean his equipment and stock up before he continued his journey on Wednesday morning downstream of the Yarrawonga Weir.
He will be camping along the way until he reaches Echuca where he will again recharge and clean his equipment.
After unexpected triple bypass surgery Peter has set himself a mission to help Australians get on top of their cardiac health through advocacy and awareness.
“It will be interesting when I arrive in Echuca as the Southern 80 (ski race) will be on around the same time.”
But that won’t deter Peter who will take advantage of the popular weekend event to again raise awareness of heart disease.
“Along the way, I have had a solid commitment off 50 people who had said they will get their heart health checked. The country farmers and grey nomad campers have been amazing at different points. Down to earth good honest people willing to help my cause.
“My personal experience has shown that we all need to be aware of our state of cardiac health in advance of having a significant or catastrophic cardiac event such as a heart attack or stroke,” Peter added.
“Many of us live for decades as these conditions progress with us unaware, or unprepared to face facts and take sound corrective action.
“There are a number of things we can all do to prevent, avoid or treat many of these issues before they progress to become life threatening, the four foundational areas of rest, low stress, nutrition and exercise are vital in tuning our bodies to function better.”
Peter urges everyone that has a history of heart disease in their family, to be tested regularly.
“If you do not get enough support from a healthcare professional, seek alternate opinions and advocate for yourself.”
Peter thanked The Sebel Yarrawonga for their hospitality support while in Yarrawonga along with major sponsors AgBoss, Sports and Spinal Albury and The Dog Education Centre as well as a wide range of minor sponsors who are helping make this trip a reality.
You can track and donate to Peter’s cause via the link on the Sup4Health2023.org
To learn more about Medicare subsidised Heart Health Checks, visit www.heartfoundation.org.au or contact your GP to book your check.
