28 September 2016
Dear Paddler,
From one adventure to the next. Hardly enough time to get the laundry done.
Germany last week, Cradock next week. Some have even managed to squeeze a trip to the Liffey in between.
Easy week for me from a news perspective. Not much to report.
The Fish is a SA K1 title race this year.
The drought conditions have resulted in almost no river races having been done in the major provinces.
This will have a twofold effect.
Firstly, almost none of us will have had an opportunity to get our “river legs” back from last season. The only major river race that has taken place recently has been the Breede, which one could almost have done without a splashie. So, the bottom of double trouble is going to look like a mixture of a primary school gala and the local wrecking yard.
Keith’s will give many a second opportunity to either regain their dignity or clear their plumbing out for a second time. If we are still in possession of boat and paddle after that, we can spend the next hour or so wondering if the nasty curtain at the bottom of Soutpans will unseat us.
By the time we reach the golf course rapid at Craddock we will either be gibbering wrecks or will have started to enjoy ourselves.
Secondly, there have been no recent river races to give us an indication of which of the top paddlers are in good form. The pundits must be tearing their hair out.
One thing is for certain. The Fish always delivers. We are all in for an enjoyable and exciting race.
Another quick snippet of news is that our sport walked away with some impressive silverware at the recent KZN Sports awards.
Bridgitte Hartley was announced as the winner of the Sportswoman of the year. Jean Van Der Westhuizen was chosen as the best Junior of the year, and Craig Mustard was received the Coach of the year prize.
There were fairly attractive bonuses attached to the awards (nothing close to the R160 million rand that Rory MacIlroy won last week, but close). Hank was up against some really tough competition and the Sportsman of the year eventually went to Henri Schoeman.
I will have a quick opportunity to give you any updates on Fish before I leave next week.
In the meantime, train hard.
Your SG
Copper
1111
Confident McGregor prepares for Hansa Fish charge
Eight-time World Champion Hank McGregor returns to this year’s Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon on 7 and 8 October brimming with confidence after his double gold medal haul at the recent Canoe Marathon World Championships in Germany. Read the full story here.
Pre-Fish a scouting success
Paddlers from around the country converged on Cradock this past weekend as the arrival of the annual water release from Grassridge Dam coincided with the popular Pre-Fish two day race that officials starts the fortnight of fun that leads to the Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon on 7 and 8 October. Read the full story here.
Advert for KNCU High Performance, Development and Growth Manager
The KwaZulu-Natal Canoe Union are searching for a new manager for their high performance programme as well as development and growth manager. Get those applications in by Monday! All you need to know is right here.
SA Canoe Polo Squad Applications
If you are interested in having the chance to represent South Africa in Canoe Polo in 2017/18 then head over to the application page right here for more information.
South African Surfski Championships
It is still a number of months away but the organisers want to keep reminding people that the Pete Marlin Surfski Race will be the South African Surfski Championships for 2016. The race will happen over the weekend of 5-6 November. Take a look at their Facebook page here for more information.
South African K1 Championships
The Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon plays host to the 2016 SA K1 Championships! Make sure that you get your entry in early for this one! It is one that no one wants to miss!! Entries will open on 1 August so stay tuned here to find out more.
Gauteng Canoe Union
TRAILER TO FISH? Chad/Malcolm are towing trailers to FISH, loading on Weds 5th – contact 011 452 1724/011 477 0784 or 0824467984/082 571 1180. FLCC are also taking a trailer to Fish to load on Tuesday 4th for those who would like to trip on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning – contact JENNIE for details.
KwaZulu-Natal Canoe Union
D’Real Downwind Race 3 – Sat 1st or Sun 2nd October | CAPITOL CATERERS-POPES CANOE INTERSCHOOLS ENDURO Sat 15th October – Camps Drift | MOUTH TO MOUTH SKI RACE – Sat or Sun 15th or 16th October – Richards Bay to Mtunzini
Eastern Cape Canoe Union
The Gamtoos Ferry Canoe Marathon brought to you by Dirk Ellis Volkswagen is coming up this weekend! The race is happening in and around Jeffery’s Bay so if you want to know more about the event head to their page here.
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!
2016 Fenn Cape Point Challenge
Planning is already under way for this iconic annual event, which takes place on 17th December, 2016. Entries open in October. More information here. Time to dust off those paddles and start logging the miles!
SELLING:
Blade 5 K1 (Manta equivalent) good condition ,never used on a river, plus/minus 2 years old R 3000.00.
Contact details email – Jack.rowan56@gmail.com , cell no. 0825741646
K2 LEGEND (PMB River Craft) As new….
Been on flat water for an hour!
New: R6800
Asking: R5300 onco
Email: mallytania@gmail.com
Phone: 0610903881
1 x Sabre in good condition R2,250
1 x Manta Maxi. Full Kevlar construction. Very good condition. R7,550
Contact James Crichton 0832541982.
Surfski: Speed S2 Double
Full Carbon – Racing Condition-no dings or repairs
R10 000.00 (R22 000.00 new)
Contact Stretch 0735528840
BUYING:
Fenn Swordfish S full carbon or Carbon hybrid
Fenn XT Double Carbon
Carbonology Zest Double Carbon
Call Clive on 079 312 1683 or clive.mcgill@gmail.com
Second hand Fenn Double Elite (Carbon or glass).
Based in CPT, but could arrange shipping.
Contact Gustav via this e-mail address 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!