31 August 2016
Dear Paddler,
I went up to JHB last Friday for meetings with the department of sport. While I was up there, I popped into my dentist for a quick check up, which turned into a 2 hour root canal treatment.
This stood me in good stead for the SASCOC AGM which I attended on Saturday. If I had a choice, it would have been the dentist again.
You know when the dentist needs to take an impression of your teeth? They mix around 4 litres of this gunk, slap it into a receptacle shaped like a sawn off toilet seat and then proceed to fit both their pairs of hands into your mouth to hold it down (for a “minute” or so).
The minute feels like a lifetime and the end result is not pleasant. Well, that it what it feels like waiting for the first decent rains to fall in areas where it is really needed. The latest casualty is the ERK Vaal race, which has had to be cancelled due to no water being available from the Vaal Dam.
This blow, preceded by the cancellation of the Lowveld Croc (still the best river race in the country), as well as the season openers on the Tugela. If it carries on like this, the Dusi might finish at Commercial road weir.
Looks like a few last minute visits to the local kerk may also be needed in the Robertson vicinity before the weekend. The “floods” of a couple of weeks ago appear to have dissipated somewhat from the Breede valley. The 20 or so K3’s that will be lining up for the SA K3 Championships will need a fair dollop of local knowledge and a few pairs of running shoes if conditions prevail.
A group of SA paddlers who do not have concerns about water levels, are the members of the SA Men’s Canoe Polo team, who are warming up, as we speak, for their clash against Portugal at 15h35 this afternoon, after going down 9 – 0 to Switzerland this morning. SA have sent a small team of only 6 players to the ICF Canoe Polo World Championships in Syracuse in Sicily.
The event is impressive, with massive crowds of spectators. If you would like to follow the live streaming, do so HERE
Someone else who will not be overly concerned about low water levels is Graham Paull, who will be leaving this evening with the SA Para Olympic team to Rio.
Graham, together with coach, Fouche Van Tonder, will be spending a whole 18 days in the carnival city (if they can keep their wallets for that long).
Graham will be competing on the same course that Bridgitte raced on.
Yet another crowd who will be paddling this weekend in a full river (although freezing cold), are the paddlers who have entered the EuroSteel/ Liebenbergsvlei race, which will be held on Saturday and Sunday.
What the area lacks in wine farms, the river makes up for in water. By the looks of things, it may be one of the only opportunities (besides the Klip) for Gauteng paddlers to get some river paddling in before the Fish.
The bottom of Keith’s and Soutpans is going to look like a primary school gala with the lack of river time that most paddlers will have suffered.
OK. I am getting bored now and have work to do.
Chat next week
Copper
1111
Former champs lock horns at 2016 Breede
No fewer than nine former Breede River Canoe Marathon winners since the turn of the millennium will line-up for this year’s edition of the two-day river race from Robertson to Swellendam when the action gets underway on Saturday. Read the full story here.
Late entry from Van Gysen’s for Breede 2016
As final entries continue to stream in for the 2016 Breede River Canoe Marathon a spur of the moment decision from Simon and Kim van Gysen will see the classy paddling couple take on the two day race taking place from Robertson to Swellendam this weekend. Read the full story here.
Desmond and the Tutus to liven up Hansa Fish 2016
With just over a month to go until hundreds of party-hungry paddlers and locals descend on the Karoo town of Cradock, the event organiser have pulled out all the stops as off-the-wall rock band Desmond and the Tutus join 2015 Fish newbies Rubber Duc in entertaining the crowds from the Hansa Gig Rig on Saturday 8 October. Read the full story 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.
South African K1 Championships
The Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon plays host to the 2016 SA K1 Championships! Make sure that you get your entry in early for this one! It is one that no one wants to miss!! Entries will open on 1 August so stay tuned here to find out more.
South African K3 Championships
The 2016 Breede River Canoe Marathon is going to be the SA K3 Champs for 2016. The race is coming up on 3-4 September and if you looking for more information then head to the website here.
Gauteng Canoe Union
Dabs Euro Steel Liebensbergvlei River Race between Reitz and Tweeling which will be excellent training for the upcoming Hansa Fish.
KwaZulu-Natal Canoe Union
Race two of the Da’Real Downwind Series takes place this weekend. Head here for all the info! Race Five of the McGregor Paddle Series takes place at Kingfisher on Friday. Racing starts at 17:15
Western Cape Canoe Union
The Breede River Canoe Marathon takes centre stage this weekend! Good luck to all those paddling!
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!
2016 Fenn Cape Point Challenge
Planning is already under way for this iconic annual event, which takes place on 17th December, 2016. Entries open in October. More information here. Time to dust off those paddles and start logging the miles!
SELLING:
2 x Custom Kayaks Horizons
One newer (only owner) & one slightly older (previously owned), both in great condition & recently serviced.
R4500 & R3500 respectively.
Kyle (Durban) – 082 787 8820
Xterminator K2 for sale.
In great condition only done one river race (dusi).
Includes whale pumps and drag line.
Asking R6000
Contact: Tim Lee 0832843511 timlee.19940715@gmail.com
BUYING:
Fenn Swordfish S full carbon or Carbon hybrid
Fenn XT Double Carbon
Carbonology Zest Double Carbon
Call Clive on 079 312 1683 or clive.mcgill@gmail.com
Second hand Fenn Double Elite (Carbon or glass).
Based in CPT, but could arrange shipping.
Contact Gustav via this e-mail address or 084 234 1731
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!