10 February 2016
All sorts of stuff hitting the fan at the moment, so this one is going to be very short.
John Oliver has been rushed to hospital. I have no details, but our thoughts are with him and his family.
His 2nd in charge, Neil Powell, has an exceptionally sick mother, and is spending much of his time at a hospital as well.
Please be patient if you have any batching queries.
The surfski committee have asked me to let all ski paddlers know that the SA Championships will be held in conjunction with the Peter Marlin Ski race on the 5th and 6th of November.
One of the highlights of the 2016 paddling calendar is going to be the 50th running of the Umkomaas marathon.
All sorts of rats and mice are crawling out of their burrows to do it. For those who have never done one, and who have promised themselves that it is on their bucket list, find a partner and get down into that valley. Once you have thrown away the butterflies, you will have the time of your life.
A special commemorative book has been written about the race. Those who enter the race early enough will receive a free copy.
Trust me, this is one tee shirt you will cherish forever.
Upington Canoe Club is organizing a new race on the calendar called the Orange Descent.
The race is scheduled for April the 29th and 30th. The website can be found at www.orangedescent.co.za
I took my kids on a rafting trip down the Orange during December. It is one of the most stunning paddling rivers in the country.
All eyes will be on Pietermaritzburg over the next 8 days as preparations get under way for the 2016 Dusi Canoe marathon.
The drought plagued province has produced some welcome last minute rains. Hopefully more will fall over the next week.
The hard core Ballies will tell stories about having to walk most of the way from the start to low level bridge during very low years in the “olden days”.
Fortunately, even a Predicted “low” year nowadays gives paddlers ample opportunity to paddle most of the way.
My new running shoes are fantastic. I look at them every morning in their box. Last Thursday I even got tempted to put them on. Fortunately the feeling went away quite quickly.
Gotta go.
Your SG
Copper
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FNB boost to Drought Relief initiative
As late entries closed for the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon taking place from 18 to 20 February 2016, the pioneering FNB Dusi Drought Relief Initiative unveiled last week has received a massive financial boost. Read the full story here.
Living the Best Day Ever
The book ‘Living the Best Day Ever’ is being launched at Montecasino in Johannesburg. Check out the website dedicated to adventurer Hendri Coetzee’s life as an adventurer here. The launch is happening on Sunday 20 March and RSVP to Marie (083 268 2693 or info@livingthebestdayever.com) before the 18th of March.
South African Sprint Championships
The national sprint canoe championships will be taking place at Shongweni Dam from 11-13 March. These championships will be vital for paddlers wishing to take part in the international sprint season as they will be the only means to qualify. Go and have a look at the sprint page on the CSA website here for more information.
African Sprint Championships
The African Sprint Championships take place at Shongweni Dam from 1-3 April and make sure that you up to speed in terms of selection criteria. Have a look at the selection document here if you are unsure.
KwaZulu-Natal Canoe Union
The major focus for this coming weekend is the Inanda Dam to Durban race. This is the final chance for paddlers to get on the river under racing conditions until the Dusi so get out there!
FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon
Following the end of the N3TC Drak Challenge the focus shifts to the 2016 FNB Dusi! There are a number of races coming up along the route which we will keep you informed about however remember to get your entries in here.
SELLING:
Single Fenn Elite Ski in good condition.
Fibreglass and fully adjustable.
Located in Durban, KZN. R 3 500.
Please phone Paul on 074 585 7580.
2 year old Velox Ascent K2 which has done 1 Dusi and 1 Fish with limited damage.
Kevlar mid section and whale pumps. R6 400,00 o.n.o.
Phone Russell at 021 424 7468 (w) and 021 794 6192 (h) or e-mail: macwilliam@mweb.co.za
LOOKING FOR:
Fenn Elite double surf ski
Based in Durban, but prepared to collect from anywhere
Contact Greg at 082 9417401
Looking for a Mirage.
Still in good enough condition for a seasons races leading up to dusi.
Please contact Kyle on 0827256727.
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