Sponsors
Murray could not be in the position he is today without the incredible support of his sponsors. Thank you to
Richard and Tony Smith started supporting Murray in late 2009. As soon as they heard he was without a vehicle, they stepped in and generously provided the student and athlete with a set of wheels. These guys provide a fantastic service to their customers and genuinely give back to their community.
Greg and Barry have supported Murray since he started paddling at the age of 16. They have been there for him every step of the way – through kayaking, surf ski and ocean racing. Greg is often the first person to call and see how Murray has performed, and is always there with an encouraging word. Not only have the Bennetts provided Murray with the best quality paddles, but they’ve also made sure that he has always been looked after by going out of their way to provide personal support. Not to mention the invaluable advice that Greg, one of the most successful double ski paddlers in Australian history, has imparted to Murray over the years.
Through their support of the Australian kayak squad, Bodyscience provide Murray with the fuel and gear he needs to be the best.
Murray’s paddling career started in a lifesaving spec ski. Ever since his first “brand new” ski, he’s been on Dolphin craft. He has won state, national and world titles on the Dolphin Dominator, D1 and DL skis. Zane and the team at Dolphin have worked hard to make sure that Murray has the best craft to race on, whether it’s at world champs in Germany or storm surf at Kurrawa.
Stevie Coulter of Juice Plus Australia has been an influence on Murray’s sporting career ever since Muzz first sat in a surf ski. Murray’s first experience of lifting weights in a gym was under Stevie’s guidance – both at Manly Surf Club and at Stevie’s gym at home. So, when Stevie became involved with Juice Plus, Murray was one of the first in line to try it out. He hasn’t looked back. The health and training benefits that Juice Plus’ nutritional products provide give Murray peace of mind that regardless of where he is in the world, he will be getting sufficient nutrients to keep him performing at his best.
It’s no coincidence that the best paddlers in the world all paddle the same type of boat. Nelo is known for their quality and design innovation. Jimmy, Andre and the rest of the Nelo team have provided Murray with the best boats to race both in Australia and Europe, to make sure he gets the job done.
Murray met Dean Gardiner on his second day in Australia in 2000. Dean wasn’t to know then how much of an influence he would have on the little 13 year old with the steely look. Since then, Dean has supported Murray with ocean skis, travel and gear, allowing Murray to compete in ocean races around the world. Not only that, but Dean has always been there to impart his wisdom and experience to Murray, and even occasionally lets Muzz sit on the back of his double ski!
Deano also wrote this great article about Muzz back in 2009 <click here>. The topic was “World’s Greatest All-Round Paddler”. Considering that Dean is one of the paddling world’s biggest legends, this was a pretty big compliment. And that was 2 years ago!