Enewsletter1618

18 May 2016

Dear Paddler,

I was berated this morning by an aged banker, and graduate of a farm school in Grahamstown, for my lack of performance with the pen, of late.

I had to agree, to some extent, and explained that I had been experiencing a degree of “writers block”, brought on by frustration with a number of government departments, some departments with no governance, and some ill-advised individuals.

I will try to lift my game in the weeks ahead.

Whilst on the subject of lifting one’s game, have you read that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) suspended the accreditation of the drug-testing laboratory in South Africa, the only accredited facility in Africa, until after the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. The South African lab won’t be able to analyze any doping samples for five months — until Sept. 30 — for failing to meet WADA standards.

WADA will carry out inspection visits during the suspension to ensure improvements are made. Fortunately our Dusi champions have not added to their workload, with all tests coming back clear last week (when was the Dusi again??). Is it not a joy to be part of a sport where this scourge has not manifested itself to any degree? The Dusi committee withholds all prize money until the “all clear” from SAIDS (South African Institute for Drug Free Sport). A bit of a windfall for some, after such a long wait.

Looking back, last Sunday saw the last in the Bay Union Surf Ski series in Durban. The final race was reserved for predominantly a double ski shoot out.

The large field of paddlers were treated to some superb weather and awesome warm sea conditions, in contrast to the week before where the race had to be cancelled. All in all, a fantastic series. Just what the doctor ordered for this period of hiatus between the Dusi, sprints and marathon.

Surfski attention in KZN now turns to the coastal series. The first race of which was due to be held at Scottburgh this weekend, but has been cancelled due to the clash with the KZN marathon champs.

On the international scene, team SA has arrived in Duisberg, Germany for the first sprinting world cup with the para-paddlers taking part in the prestigious Paracanoeing World Champs.

There is not a lot riding on the event for our able bodied paddlers, but for the paracanoeists Graham Paull and Jono Wing, there is a trip to Rio on the line.

Graham, who is racing in the KL1 class, should have the easier of the two’s chances, with times posted that should see him qualify.

Jono, on the other hand, has a mountain to climb in the KL3 class.

They both raced yesterday in their respective heats, and made it through to the semi finals, which they will be racing today.

We will keep you posted.

GCU have had their marathon champs. This weekend is the turn of KZN, followed by the small enclave on the other side of the Hottentots Holland. This weekend’s race will take place at Camps Drift, the venue for the 2017 World Marathon Championships.

It is one of the build-up events to the international classic, allowing the race organisers to begin fine tuning their organisation skills.

The KNCU marathon committee, together with a group of concerned paddlers and parents have arranged a meeting after the K1 races on Saturday, in order to brainstorm ways to develop marathon paddling and to discuss alternative funding models for the SA team. All marathon paddlers, coaches and parents are encouraged to attend.

The entry form for the SA marathon champs is available on the CSA website. Please confirm the closing date for entries. The SA team selection document will be available shortly.

The Confederation of African Canoeing, the acronym for which is CAC (fortunately it is not Afrikaans), is putting together a coaching commission. Greg Van Heerden will be driving the project from a SA perspective.

Basically, they are looking for qualified coaches (level 1 or 2), to assist with input into developing African countries. If any of the qualified coaches have an interest in helping, please contact Greg.

Well!! That’s all for this week

I will try my best to improve incrementally

Your SG
Copper

1111

SA Paracanoeing World Champs bid underway in Germany
The international sprint season kicked off with the ICF Paracanoeing World Championships which got underway in Duisburg, Germany on Tuesday as South Africa’s Graham Paull and Jono Wing did battle with the best in the world, each with an eye on qualification for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil later this year. Read the full story here.

Berg River Canoe Marathon
WC Canoe Union are instituting a set of qualifying criteria for the Berg River Marathon in the same manner as many major ultra-marathon events. To find out about the new qualifying structure go here and to enter the 2016 edition of the race head here.

SA Marathon Championships
The South African Marathon Championships take place in the Western Cape this year over the weekend of 11-12 June. It is set to be another exciting national championship so be sure to check with your union as to how to qualify.

KwaZulu-Natal Canoe Union
The KZN Marathon Champs are happening at Camps Drift from Saturday! There should be some exciting racing taking place and make sure you get down there to catch all the action.

Gauteng Canoe Union
FLORIDA LAKE CANOE CLUB – KLIP RIVER RACE SERIES | SUNDAY 22 MAY 2015 AT 9AM | Entry Fee: R80 per paddler | Late Entry: R50 per paddler (Pre Entries Close Wednesday 18th May at midnight) Start: Sports Grounds | Finish: Three Rivers Waterfront | Distance: 22km | Format: K1 Race, K2 and K3’s Welcome

Eastern Cape Canoe Union
The Eastern Cape Marathon Championships will be coming up in May. They will be happening over the weekend of 21-22 May at Settlers Dam just outside Grahamstown. Get hold of info@eccu.co.za for more information

The Harbour2Heads Lagoon Challenge
The Harbour to Heads race is coming up in Knysna during the Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival. Registration happens on Saturday 2 July from 12-4pm with the racing happening on Sunday 3 July at 9am. You can enter online here. Head to their Facebook page here for more information!

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!

SELLING:
2 x K2 Accords for sale:
Mid section Kevlar and including pumps. Good condition. Only done 2016 Dusi. R4500.00
Full Kevlar and including pumps. Good condition. Only done 2015 Dusi. R5500.00
Can be viewed in Umhlanga or at KCC Clubhouse. Boats always stored on garage or clubhouse racks.
K3 for sale: Eric’s Canoes K3 in good condition. Kevlar mid section. Small patches. R6000.00
Can be viewed at Eric’s Canoe Shoppe.
Chris Watts
Mobile: +27 82 903 5103
Mail: watts1386@gmail.com

LOOKING FOR:
K3 Canoe in good condition.
Contact Charl at 083 447 1500

Looking for a second hand Fenn Double Elite (Carbon or glass).
Based in CPT, but could arrange shipping.
e-mail address glptrichardt@gmail.com 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!