KwaZulu-Natal (KNCU)
The biggest province in terms of number of registered paddlers, KwaZulu-Natal hosts a thriving marathon population, both river and ICF style “flat water” events being catered for.
Alongside this is a vibrant Off-Shore Ski racing program, as well as a strong core of sprint, slalom, and canoe polo players. The river season includes major races on exciting rough water such as the Umgeni, Umsindusi, Umkomaas, Tugela and Umzimkulu Rivers.
The Union was formed after the inaugural Dusi marathon in 1951, and over the years has seen the likes of Ernie Pearce, Charlie Mason, Fox Ledeboer, Paul Chalupsky, Robbie Stewart, Geoff Dyer, Des Park, Mark Conway, Ivan Levinson, Hugh Cocksedge, Paul Zimmerman, Niel Tupper, Kevin Trodd, Mark Lynn and Tim Cornish as chair the Union.
Most of the development initiatives are based along the Pietermaritzburg to Durban corridor. The Nagle Dam project, founded by the late Robert Lembethe is thriving, and there are also thriving initiatives at Mkhambathini, Thousand Hills Canoe Club, Inanda Dam, Shongweni Dam and Toti club at Mnini on the South Coast.
The Union also has a strong Schools Program sponsored by Capitol Caterers and Popes Canoe Centre. This is administered by the Schools Committee and consists of an annual Challenge of 8 or 9 events offering an introduction to the different disciplines of canoeing as well as both individual and interschool competition.
CONTACT
KNCU UNION CHAIR
Duncan May | Union Chair KNCU | KNCU | 083 779 2284 |
KNCU Administration: John Oliver
Tel: 082-5502859 (Cell)
E-mail: kncuad@sai.co.za
KNCU Development Coordinator:
Thulani Mbanjwa
mikembanjwa@gmail.com
078 103 5196
Affiliated Clubs: Alex Wasps, Amanzintoti, Bushmans Canoeing, Canyon Kayak, Crusaders, Dragon, DHS, Epworth, Eshowe, Eston, Fezela, Forest Lake, George Campbell, Hilton College, Kearsney College, KZN Ski Club, Mr Price Kingfisher, Marine Surf Lifesaving Club, Maritzburg College, Midlands Multi Sports, Michaelhouse, Natal Canoe Club, University of KZN (Dbn), University of KZN (Pmb), Ngwenya, Robert Lembethe, Rorkes Drift, Scottburgh, South Coast Striders, Stella, Thousand Hills Canoe Club, The Wykham Collegiate, Umfolozi, Umvoti, Umzinyathi, Zululand and Zululand Triathlon Club.
CSA Discipline Committee representatives:
Marathon – Travis Wilkinson
Canoe Polo – Laurel Oettle 0761275270
Surf Ski – Dave Harker
Schools – Richard Snowden