Hi ,

So, the 61st edition of the Berg River Canoe Marathon has kicked off.

Paddlers competing in the main race (there is also a shorter option this year) left the Val De Vie estate this morning, on their way to Velddrif.

They face 4 days of toil, in what is undoubtedly the toughest ultra-distance canoe race in the country.

The race has seen a recent resurgence in interest and participation, with many of the top marathon paddlers in attendance.

The sharp end of both the men's and women's races is going to be fiercely contested.

Hank McGregor will be out to prove that age is not an obstacle to ultra-distance performance, and already having 10 gold medals in his back pocket, must go into the race as the odds on favourite.

The last time he raced, his main opposition came from Andy Birkett and Hamish Lovemore.

With Andy absent, due to his imminent participation in the World Games in Birmingham (USA), and Hamish opting for a marathon training camp, the opposition is likely to come from Western Cape locals, in the form of Uli Hart, Simon Van Gysen and the evergreen Graham Solomon. There is, however, a relatively long list of very talented paddlers who will be hunting for any podium scraps.

The women's race should pan out into a contest between Nix Birkett, Jenna Nisbet and Melanie Van Niekerk.

Not all of the interesting action will be taking place with the leaders. With epic events of this nature, there is always a story within a story and a race within a race.

Giel Van Deventer will be trying to complete his 51st Berg, whilst one of the founders of the race and previous winner, Jannie Malherbe, at the young age of 83 years, will be attempting to get one step closer to that incredible 50 finishes, as he paddles his 49th.

Robbie Herreveld, who dominated the race a number of decades ago will also be lining up at the start.

Updates of the race can be found on Instagram and Facebook.

On the other side of the world, Bridgitte Hartley and Andy Birkett will be arriving in Birmingham at the end of this week, to represent South Africa in the marathon discipline of the World Games. The short course will be held on the 11th, with the heats in the morning, and the final in the afternoon. The standard marathon will be held on the 12th. All information regarding the event can be found here https://twg2022.com/ 

The 2nd oldest surf ski race in the world, the Scottburgh to Brighton, was held last Saturday.

A relatively small field of paddlers left Scottburgh early, in chilly conditions, with the ever present off shore wind niggling one's left ear, and an annoying side chop hangover from the NE the day before.

It was an honest day at the office for all, with the surf at Scottburgh and at Toti, just big enough to create a degree of carnage. The hastily thrown together crew of Riccardo Taveli (Vaalie) and Phillip Smith (St. Francis) proving too strong over the dying moments and managing a win over locals Gene Prato and Bryce Lawson.

The win by Brent Chiazzari in the singles was a fitting performance, considering that the race was held in memory of his brother Dean.

SEE RESULTS HERE

The Siyaphambili Open Ocean Challenge series starts this Sunday at DUC, with some amazing sponsors and some terrific prizes.

This week is when we shake the fence. Those who have elected to sit on it, will have to make a decision on which side they will fall.

The container with the boats to Portugal is being packed next week. There are still a couple of spots left.

There are even still a few cheap plane tickets left from a block booking we made (R12 000 directly into Porto), as well as some pre booked accommodation at the ridiculous price of eu62 per night including breakfast and dinner.

Best of all is that you will be able to enter 2 world championships within a week (marathon and surf ski), as well as being part of the large crowd of your countrymen who will be flying the flag over there.

This is an opportunity that will not present itself for years to come. It is what life memories are made of.

So, cash in those struggling shares and put the proceeds to good use. 

Until next week

Your SG
Copper
1111

A man in London walked into the produce section of his local Tesco's supermarket and asked to buy half a head of lettuce. The boy working in that department told him that they only sold whole heads of lettuce. The man was insistent that the boy ask the manager about the matter.

Walking into the back room, the boy said to the manager, "Some old bastard wants to buy a half a head of lettuce." As he finished his sentence, he turned around to find that the man was standing right behind him, so he quickly added, "and this gentleman kindly offered to buy the other half."

The manager approved the deal and the man went on his way. Later, the manager said to the boy, "I was impressed with the way you got yourself out of that situation earlier, we like people who can think on their feet here, where are you from son?"

"New Zealand, sir,"   the boy replied.

"Why did you leave New Zealand ?"   the manager asked.

The boy said, "Sir, there's nothing but prostitutes and rugby players there."

"Is that right?"   replied the manager,"  My wife is from New Zealand !"

"Really?" replied the boy, "Who'd she play for?”