08 June 2016
Dear Paddler,
One hell of a long way to fly for a ski race that could just as easily have been held on Emmarentia dam.
Worse still, fat Oscar (who has lost half his net worth in the cellulite department) still managed to damage his rudder, and Mark Perrow (the “Mariner”) managed to wrap his ski in half. Gifted athletes!!!!
The reputation of the Molokai ski race as a daunting crossing of the open Ocean, under extreme conditions, did not live up to expectations. The paddlers were faced with very benign conditions and paddled on an almost flat sea. In a ski race, absolutely flat, is often preferable to almost flat. Almost flat, sometimes gives one a sense of hope, resulting in a lot of effort being expended in chasing almost non existent runs, for very little reward. (Like an ugly guy on a date with a beautiful girl – lots of effort – no reward).
There were rewards aplenty on the results list though. A one, two, three for the Saffas. Hank’s mindset, honed on the Berg River, allowed him to grind the opposition into the dust, with Sean and Jasper keeping it together for silver and bronze. Oscar was beaten, yet again, by his brother Herman. I am not sure whether this is a talent or age thing?
Next stop Mauritius for the first world cup of the year on the 2nd of next month, followed a week later by the second world cup in Portugal.
On the local surfski scene, the Pirates/Umhlanga/Pirates race was held on Sunday. This is the oldest surfski race in the world, having first been paddled in 1957, a full year before the Scottburgh to Brighton was held.
Hank paddled away from the rest of the field, just to show that the Molokai was no fluke.
One wonders if he will have things all his own way this coming weekend at the SA marathon Championships, to be held in Cape Town.
Looking at the over 200 entrants so far, there is going to be some “edge of your chair” racing across most of the categories.
According to windguru, it appears that the weather gods may even come to the party. Very little wind, and no rain predicted. Confusing for the locals!!!!!!!!
For those who have not yet entered or put in a nomination for the national team, sorry for you, the horse has bolted.
The race this weekend is not only for national title glory, but also acts as the one and only trial for the selection of the national team to represent SA at the World Marathon Championships in Germany in September. So, plenty at stake for the relevant catagories.
The week after the marathon champs is the Pink Lady Canoe Marathon.
A message from the organisers;
“The Pink Lady Drakenstein race is trying to encourage people to make the trip down to the Cape to do the race. Accordingly we are offering a R100 discount to paddlers from other provinces who make the trip down. So if you are from out of the Western Cape the cost of the race will be R400 (rather than the normal R500) for a senior paddler. Please note that the first 200 entries will get a Pink Lady fuel saver free of charge (photo attached). The race will cover 68km of the most scenic and technical parts of the river raced during the Berg River Marathon. As it is a two day race of B grade river it will also serve as the two qualifying races needed for normal entry to the Berg River Marathon. We look forward to seeing you, our Northern Brothers, on the River.”
Even if you do not find the Berg River overly exciting, it is worth the trip just for the apples.
That’s all, yet again
Your SG
Copper
1111
Durban’s paddlers take on worlds oldest surfski race
Sunday saw a moderate field take on the world’s oldest surfski race, the Illovo Pirates Umhlanga Pirates Surfski Race, with paddlers taking on some tough conditions with South African surfski ace Hank McGregor claiming the overall win with Nicole Russell taking the spoils in the women’s race. Read the full story here.
2013 champ pondering Berg comeback
Following a year’s sabbatical from canoeing, 2013 Berg River Canoe Marathon winner Lance King has made a powerful return to competitive paddling and with the Berg just over forty days away the veteran of the four day journey from Paarl to Veldrif on the West Coast is still weighing up whether to take on the challenge from 12-16 July. 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 5 Beaches Race is the next race on the surfski calendar taking place this weekend. Organisers have not finalised the details but keep an eye out here for more information.
Gauteng Canoe Union
No races are coming up on the GCU Calendar until the Watuni Klip to Vaal 32km on 25 June, the weekends and public holiday on 16th gives us opportunities to enjoy local river trips/mastering rapids and gaining ground on the 20km mileage before moving up to the 32km event. Make the most of the gentle winter before the real cold gets in our way! Dabulamanzi are running Add Resins Winter Time Trial throughout the season. There is a great incentive to do eight of the thirteen so enter on Thursdays at the club time trial!
Western Cape Canoe Union
Besides for the SA Marathon Champs coming up this weekend the Pink Lady Drakenstein Race will be following the weekend after (18-19 June). MAke sure that you are up to speed with everything and are in the loop about what is happening. For all the information that you need go and have a look at their website here.
Eastern Cape Canoe Union
The Pinewood Homes, Sculptures Chalumna Challenge is the next race on the calendar. The event takes place on 14 May and there is both a Guppy’s as well as a main race. If you want to find out more about the event then get hold of Shane Roach (082 453 7419) at shane@mweb.co.za
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!
Pete Marlin Surfski Race
The Pete Marlin Surfski Race is only coming up in November but it will be the South African Surfski Championships. The race will be happening over the weekend of 5&6 November at Nahoon Beach in East London. If you want to start planning for the event go and have a look at 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:
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
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