A young Bacchus Marsh adventurer is attempting the first full ascent of the Murray River.
Chris Hayward will kayak more than 2500 kilometres, hike 236 kilometres and climb to Mount Kosciuszko’s summit as part of a journey he started this month and won’t complete until June next year.
The 19-year-old trail blazer has already trekked a vastly different path compared to others his age, most of whom will spend the coming year studying, working, and if they’re lucky, fitting in some travelling.
“From my friends, there’s been a mixture of encouragement, doubt and thinking I’m absolutely insane,” Hayward says. “But I’m thrilled to have the chance to do it. I’ve been enthusiastic about the outdoors most of my life and I’m all for challenging myself.”
Hayward’s latest adventure will retrace the steps of Captain Charles Sturt, who discovered the Murray River 183 years ago.
He will begin his river odyssey in the Southern Ocean, where the mouth of the Murray River lies.
Last year, Hayward became the youngest person to kayak solo down the Murray River from source
to sea, which he describes as indirect training for his full ascent. He hopes his trek will raise environmental awareness and highlight the impact humans can have on the environment.
Hayward is raising funds for environmental charity Greenfleet, which encourages people to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
“This is important as an adventurer, because without preserving the environment we live in, we’ll have nothing for us to explore in future.”
Hayward says his parents are as “supportive as they can be” while still hoping he will chose to do something more ‘‘safe and normal’’ later in life. “I think they’ve realised from last year I have the commonsense and ability to look after myself.”
Hayward, who is trained in survival and first-aid, says he’s prepared for any emergencies.
“I’ve got a grab bag on the kayak which contains shelter, warmth, fire-starting means, hunting and fishing tools, first aid kit and medicines.’’
One of the biggest challenges he’ll face on his journey is loneliness. “On days where its windy and you can’t get out on the river and you’re not progressing, it can hit you. It’s like ‘crap, what am I doing here?’
“But you do get used to constantly being on your own, and you get a lot of thinking time to learn about yourself and your limits.”
