|
The last month was certainly not the best time to be travelling, and so be away from the attractions of an exciting race calendar.
A literal plethora of events have taken place that would be the envy of adventurous paddlers from anywhere in the world.
The water quality in many of our rivers is a massive cause for concern, and is often blamed for the declining numbers at our river events. However, over the last month our paddlers have been blessed with four absolutely classic river races in clean water.
On October 19-20 the Lowveld Croc was held. A small field of paddlers was treated to the gem of SA rivers, with continuous, technical, yet very manageable rapids for the entire race course. Clint Cook overcame the opposition, to join a list of SA’s finest river paddlers who have the privilege of having their names etched onwhat must be one of the most magnificent trophies in our sport.
The weekend after that, the annual “Dam to Dam” race was held on the upper Umgeni. Yet another exciting stretch of river on a relatively remote and unspoilt section.
On November 9-10, the SA K1 river championships was held on the Orange river near Upington. Hamish and Tom Lovemore turned the event into a family outing, claiming the top steps of the podium, with Stephanie Von der Heyde being crowned the women’s champion for the year. Once again, a magnificent, clean river with an impressive volume and some beautiful scenery.
It has been a good month for Hamish, as he was also selected as the KZN sportsman of the year at a glittering banquet in Durban, where he was presented, with, amongst other things, a brand new car.
On the same weekend, there was a race on the Lions River, in the KZN midlands. I have never done that particular segment, but by all accounts it was super friendly and loads of fun for almost all levels of participant. Definitely one to put a tick next to for next year.
Last weekend, one of the oldest one-day river races in KZN took place on the Albert Falls Dam and upper Umgeni river. The Kindo Covers Ozzie Gladwin is one of the first Dusi-type races of the season, and, more often than not, gives an indication of who the main protagonists will be in the PMB to Durban classic early next year. The event turned into a two horse race with Msawenkosi Mtolo and Sandile Mtolo being separated by a fraction of a second, and the old legend, Sbonelo Khwela rounding off the top three. Saskia Hockly had a relatively comfortable win in the women’s division.
Staying on rivers. This weekend the SA K2 crowns will be decided on the Vaal river. The ADG Vaal marathon has, historically, been one of two classic K2 races on the CSA calendar (the other being the Breede). Fortunately the race has been significantly shortened from the epic that it used to be. This weekend should not be short of quality paddlers, with a reported last minute flurry of entries.
Heading to the ocean.
Whilst many of our events have seen a steady decline over the years (the cause of which has been debated over many a cold beverage), there are a special few that have seen steady growth.
The Biogen Pete Marlin Surfski Race in East London is one of these. It has almost developed an almost cult following, and many paddlers start making plans for the next years event as soon as they get home from the current years foray.
The attraction lies with a fairly attractive history of decent downwind conditions (on at least one of the days), coupled with the interesting spread of Slummies locals who, to be honest, are “somewhat different”. The Pete Marlin has become the surfski paddlers version of Africa Burn. The bar at the East London Lifesaving club doubles its annual turnover, and much which goes on over the weekend does not make it back to civilised social engagements on one’s return.
The racing is of the highest order and “ticking off” a gold at the event gives one a slight swagger for the next 12 months, irrespective of what age group. In fact, the older you are, the bigger the swagger.
This year, paddlers from south of the Kei walked away with the lions share of the silverware, with Nick Notten proving that his world championships win in 2021 was not a flash in the pan when he beat AustralianOscar Jones, by a minute, with Slummies local, Josh Fenn, rounding off the podium.
The locals continued their winning ways when Jade Wilson won the women’s gold medal, a minute ahead of training partner Nix Birkett, with Junior star Georgia Singe taking the bronze.
The overriding aspect of all of these phenomenal events is the energy and passion of the organisers.
They really are a very special breed of individuals, and our sport would be dead on the ground without them.
Drifting to the international stage.
Our senior men’s canoe polo team returned from the world championships in Deqing, China, just missing out on the top 16 spot that they were hoping for.
Any of you who may have tuned into the live streaming will appreciate the phenomenal level of international competition.
The discipline is fired up for a great 2025, with a number of international tours being planned.
We currently have a small team of SUP paddlers who are taking part in the world championships in Sarasota, USA.
The event started yesterday, and will finish on Saturday.
We are being represented by Cameron Tripney and Murray James in the men’s division, and Tarryn King in the women’s division.
More on this next time.
|
