Hi {name},

Trend setters, tax dodgers, and everyone in between.

A very quick catch up before an action packed week of marathon racing.

Most of our marathon team are already ensconced in Gyor, Hungary, in preparation for their assault on the world championship medal stock.

The participation of many of the SA team members hung in the balance last week, when we were informed that the container carrying their boats had been delayed on a train in Germany, and was only due to arrive the week after the event.

A truck (and R85 000 later) was dispatched to collect the container and drive it to Hungary. It only arrived yesterday morning to a mob of masters paddlers who were waiting like a labrador waits for breakfast.

South Africa, as usual, has a strong team of master’s paddlers.

Their action kicks off early on Monday morning in the various age groups in K1 (See timetable here).

On Tuesday, they get to have another crack at gold in the K2 categories.

There is no live-streaming for masters, but our team on the ground assures us that they will be keeping us all fully up to date with reports.

Be sure to follow on our social media platforms.

Wednesday is a day off, except for the opening ceremony.

The action for the national team starts on Thursday with the short course and continues until Sunday afternoon.

These events will be live streamed on the ICF paid channel.

There are going to be a host of exciting races, where the green and gold will be in the mix for a podium positions. None more so than the Saturday afternoon K1 clash, where all eyes will be on yet another showdown between the Dane, Mads Pedersen, and our very own Hamish Lovemore. 

The two current titans of marathon paddling have crossed swords three times over the past month. Pedersen managing to walk away victorious on each occasion. Three silver medals in a row, at major international events would be a dream for most. In Hamish’s mind, it is a three-egg situation that needs to be addressed.

The team is below and you can see the timetable here.

Happy viewing.

Many of our marathon team members will arrive back from Gyor, just in time to swap boats and to get some last minute training done for the World Ocean Racing Championships.

Only 47 days to go.

Entries have been pouring in for the event, which, for the first time ever, will be hosted on our very own doorstep.

The price of entries will go up in just over 2 weeks’ time.

A “never before” characteristic of the event is that each competitor will have a race shirt specifically made for them, with their country flag on the shoulder, in their own cut. These shirts will only be available to those who have entered before the middle of next week. After this date, all entrants will receive a “neutral” shirt. 

So, if you are still sitting on the fence, now might be the time to take that leap of faith. Those who have already entered, and who have not, as yet, confirmed their shirt size, please do so on the event WhatsApp group, or simply go onto your PSA profile and ensure that your size is reflected correctly. Those frequent visits to the local pie shop may result in some tears at registration when you are handed a medium instead of an XL.

For those who don’t think they are up to the distance, or conditions, in a single ski, there is always the option of racing on the double ski day. It is not mandatory to enter the SS1 if you only want to paddle the SS2.

There is an even easier option of a 10km inshore race on the Tuesday evening for individuals who wish to test themselves against the world’s best, or who just want to be part of the race week without the full Monty.

Go to the website for a full breakdown of what will be available during the week and to see who has already entered.

The Pirates/Umhlanga/Pirates (oldest ski race in the world) is being held the Sunday before the World Championships, and the Biogen Pete Marlin (South Africa’s best downwind race) is being held the week after.

A message from the organisers of the Biogen Pete Marlin is that you have a week left to enter the race and still receive a free pair of Funky pants. After the 7th of September you will have to rely on your old pair of PolyShorts that your wife has been trying to get rid of for years.Added to this whole mix is the Fish River marathon, which is being held the week before the Ocean Racing Championships.

This year, the Fish doubles as the SA K2 river championships.

Rumour has it that Hamish Lovemore is sneaking back from Hungary to be on the start line.

I know that I will be.

That’s all for this week.

Your SG
Copper

And, for your amusement ...

WHY MEN ARE HAPPIER

Men are just happier people, but what do you expect from such simple creatures?

Your last name stays put.

The garage is all yours.

Wedding plans take care of themselves.

Chocolate is just another snack.

You can be President.

You can never be pregnant.

You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.

You can wear NO shirt to a water park.

Car mechanics tell you the truth.

The world is your urinal.

You never have to drive to another petrol station toilet because this one is just “too icky”.

You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.

Same work, more pay.

Wrinkles add character.

Wedding dress R25 000. Morning suit rental R800.

People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.

New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.

One mood all the time.

Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.

You know stuff about tanks.

A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.

You can open all your own jars.

You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.

If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.

Your underwear is R120 for a three-pack.

Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.

You almost never have strap problems in public.

You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.

Everything on your face stays its original colour.

The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.

You only have to shave your face and neck.

You can play with toys all your life.

One wallet and one pair of shoes – one colour for all seasons.

You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.

You can 'do' your nails with a pocket knife.

You have freedom of choice concerning growing a moustache.

You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives On December 24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier!!!