Enewsletter1624

22 June 2016

Dear Paddler,

So!!!!!! I have arrived.

I am attending the Lux Ocean Classic week, culminating in the Investec Ocean Race on Saturday, in Mauritius. I have known for some time that I had been asked to attend, but was loathed to make any formal announcements until I actually felt the sand squishing between my toes. After my abortive trip to Tahiti last year, there has been a degree of “exotic island trepidation”.

I was on tenterhooks from the time I left home until I was caught hugging a palm tree outside the reception area of the hotel. I must have resembled something out of “midnight express” when I approached the custom officials at the Mauritius airport.

I am here as the ICF technical representative, and have been forced to paddle the race course every morning for the past 4 days. I even attended a meeting the day before yesterday. It is hard work, and requires devotion and dedication. I am bearing up, and go to sleep at night in the knowledge that the sacrifices are but a small contribution to the sport.

There are a myriad of different nationalities on the island. The atmosphere has been one of cosmopolitan celebration of a common interest, enhanced by the sheer terror of paddling out through a narrow pass in huge surf and paddling downwind.

The congenial atmosphere took a turn for the worse yesterday when Australian, Dean Gardiner (probably the best downwind paddler in the world), opened a betting book with odds on whether Oscar will manage to beat the first lady across the line on Saturday. This follows his performance at last month’s Molokai where he only managed the “second lady” position.

Oscar is fuming, and has been seen casting disparaging and hostile glares at the likes of Jenna Ward and Nikki Mocké at meal times.

I will keep you up to date with the progress on this one.

Not sure exactly what is happening back at home, but I am sure it is all good.

Cheers
Copper
1111

World Champion Boros joins Berg Canoe Marathon fray
Another international paddling star has joined this year’s Berg River Canoe Marathon fray as Hungarian ace Adrian Boros lodged his entry for what is sizing up to be a fiercely contested race from Paarl to Velddrif from 13 to 16 July.Read the full story here.

McGregor bags maiden FNB Durban Downwind success
South African paddling icon Hank McGregor overcame sickness, flat conditions as well as a strong local field to clinch his maiden FNB Durban Downwind win on Sunday while the in-form Nicole Russell claimed the World Surfski Series title event’s women’s crown. Read the full story here.

Andre’s Chirp – Hermon to Gouda canoe race presented by Enduro
What an Amazing race! In and out and roundabout, over and under and through the mud we went, like a magical mystery tour! Read the full story here.

Gerhard Nel Memorial Race – Watuni Klip to Vaal
What a glorious winter Highveld Day when over 40 boats lined up on the banks of the Klip river Danie Maclean Park, to paddle to the Watuni clubhouse on the Vaal River, at the North West University Campus, on Saturday 25 June 2016. Read the full story here.

Berg River Canoe Marathon
WC Canoe Union are instituting a set of qualifying criteria for the Berg River Marathon in the same manner as many major ultra-marathon events. To find out about the new qualifying structure go here and to enter the 2016 edition of the race head here.

South African Surfski Championships
It is still a number of months away but the organisers want to keep reminding people that the Pete Marlin Surfski Race will be the South African Surfski Championships for 2016. The race will happen over the weekend of 5-6 November. Take a look at their Facebook page here for more information.

Gauteng Canoe Union
This weekend sees the UPPER KLIP come into focus after weeks working on the LOWER KLIP, with the staging of the JCC Upper Klip – Lido to Ixoxo Manzi Canoe Race. This stretch of river is more technical, challenging, even difficult. Date: Sunday, 3 July 2016 | Grade: B | Time: 08h30 (NOT 09h00!!!) | Start: Buksies (next to the Lido Hotel) | Finish: Ixoxo Manzi | Distance 30 km

Eastern Cape Canoe Union
The Harbour to Heads Lagoon Challenge race takes place in Knysna during the Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival this Sunday, 3 July. Registration happens on Saturday, 2 July from 12-4pm and entries can be submitted online here. Head to their Facebook page here for more information!

Mauritius Ocean Classic
All the best to our many athletes competing on the ocean in Mauritius this weekend! Fly the flag ladies and gents, we’re behind you all the way.

Berg River Canoe Marathon
Known by some as the ‘Comrades of Canoeing’, the gruelling 240km event from Paarl to Velddrif on the Western Cape’s West Coast takes place from Wednesday, 13 to Saturday, 16 July and is preceded by a time trial on Tuesday, 12 July. More information can be found here.

The Sella Descent
One of the worlds must famous canoe marathons is coming up soon and if you feel like you want to take on all of those fiery Spaniards then feel free to have a look at their website here for more information.

PE2EL Surfski Challenge
Enter “The Challenge” at the special Early Bird Rate: Fees paid, and entry submitted by 15 June 2016: R2500! See our website www.bordercanoeclub.co.za for more info. We have officially “launched”, and are open for entries. We offer an experience of a lifetime, along the most impressive coastline in the world. This is an adventure not to be missed. Not for the fainthearted! Check the poster and get your entry form here!

SELLING:
2 x K2 Accords for sale:
Mid section Kevlar and including pumps. Good condition. Only done 2016 Dusi. R4500.00
Full Kevlar and including pumps. Good condition. Only done 2015 Dusi. R5500.00
Can be viewed in Umhlanga or at KCC Clubhouse. Boats always stored on garage or clubhouse racks.
K3 for sale: Eric’s Canoes K3 in good condition. Kevlar mid section. Small patches. R6000.00
Can be viewed at Eric’s Canoe Shoppe.
Chris Watts
Mobile: +27 82 903 5103
Mail: watts1386@gmail.com

LOOKING FOR:
Looking for a second hand Fenn Double Elite (Carbon or glass).
Based in CPT, but could arrange shipping.
e-mail address glptrichardt@gmail.com or 084 234 1731

Second hand full carbon Spark Surfski or similar.
For small paddler, or with adjustable pedals.
Contact: Lauren 073 157 1421
(if I’m working you may have to leave your name and number and I’ll get back to you)

Click here to view MANY more classifieds

Got something to sell?? Let us know and we will include it in our classifieds section! Email nick@gameplanmedia.co.za to get your advert out there!