Hi ,

CSA conducted a survey a couple of years ago seeking input on the primary issues that determine the attraction to our sport.

By far, the major concern was the quality and quantity of the water in our rivers.

Due to some particularly dysfunctional riparian municipalities, the quality of the water, in many of the rivers that we race on, has not improved much since then.
But hell!!! Have we recently made a plan with quantity.

Nearly all of the major dams in the country are either overflowing or are reaching levels that have not been experienced for a decade or more. The only dam that is not yet 100% full in the Umgeni system is Albert Falls. This may well change during the week, as it is nearly there.

With major races taking place in KZN over the next month (50 Miler, Drak and Dusi) there is very little likelihood of low river levels.

Paddlers are in for a whale of a time.

The level of the Umzimkulu has been extremely high over the past week, reaching level 7 at the start at Castleburn.

The Umko has reached 4m at Hella Hella. Anything over 2m is adult diaper level. Those who tripped at 4m must surely have solicited assistance from the plant life along the valley.

This Sunday is one of the best one day races in the country. The Inanda to Durban.

Last Sunday was the Lighthouse Design Ozzie Gladwin (traditionally the largest 1 day race in the country). The race also doubled as the SA K2 river championships. The Dusi boys and girls came out to play. Some tight racing and a few early showing of hands regarding form. The "in form" geriatric, Hank managed to rope in a younger partner Matt Millward and pulled of an impressive win against some much younger competition. The first and second losers were Thulani Mbanjwa/Msawenkosi Mtolo and Stu Little/Bongani Ntinga combinations. About a minute separating each of these crews.

The women's race was far more exciting, with the reigning Dusi queen Christie MacKenzie, partnering Jordan Peek to a hard fought 23 second win over Abby Solms and Bianca Haw, with Bridgitte Hartley and Pippa McGregor ensuring that Hank was not the only family member to take home silverware.
We have a mouth-watering few months ahead of us.

Thrown into the mix are a number of local surf ski series, for those who are river averse.

From an admin perspective, CSA is holding its AGM next Monday.

The federation will remain stable with there being no resignations from the board.

Ant Stott (who tragically lost his dad a couple of days ago) had already been replaced by Bridgitte Hartley as the paddlers representative.

As paddlers, a huge debt is owed to this group of tireless administrators who make it possible for all of us to enjoy our sport.

More news is that the Western Cape have proposed a new venue for the SA Schools sprint Championships, being the Lomond Wine Estate, near Hermanus. An opportunity to sip a nice Chardonnay between heats. Can't fault that. Dates are 23 - 24 April. There is also talk of holding the SA sprint championships together with the SA Schools.

Another proposal from South of the Hottentots Holland is that the SA double ski championships be held in conjunction with the Freedom Paddle on the 27th of April. The SA single ski championships will be held in Cape Town a couple of days later (30 Apr or 1st of May). The Monday after that is a public holiday, so there is additional time for travel and merriment. This will also act as the selection race for the World Championships, to be held in Portugal in October.

So, for those who are not lucky enough to live near the Marntin, start limbering up for your mating dances for accommodation with mates who do live down there.

If you are a sprinter and a ski paddler, you may as well just take 10 days off and move to the Cape.

One of the more important announcements from the federation is that the Drak Challenge golf day is definitely back on.

The "Beast" of a trophy is being polished as we speak.

With the predicted river level, your paddling day will be over in a jiffy, and you will be in a position to concentrate of issues of greater magnitude.

Until next week

Your SG
Copper
1111

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Husband : First make it, we'll name it later.