Sprinters getting ready for Szeged
 
The 2nd world cup kicks off this Friday in Szeged Hungary.  The team has been in Szeged for a few weeks now and are looking forward to finally getting the racing underway.  Follow their journey at http://www.sakayak.blogspot.com/ with links to pictures, personal blogs, twitter messages and place to leave the team a message.
 
You can also see Bridgitte starring in 2 of the ICF videos from the Vichy World Cup at http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/NewsMedia/Video-Gallery.html
 

From Cedric Rubenstein.
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THE WEEKEND AHEAD

KZ

KZN Canoe Marathon Trials.

This weekend there is a break in the Discovery Sunglasses Hut Winter Ski Series due to the Comrades so attention will shift to Nagle Dam again for the  KZN K1 Marathon Trial for the KZN Marathon Team to the SA Marathon Championships in Pletenberg Bay on 12^th and 13^th June. The K2 Trial is next Saturday 5^th June and both start from the Nagle Picnic Site at 09h00.

The flat-water course is multiple 4.3km lap affair with 100m portages at the end of each lap. Senior Men do 7 laps, Senior Women do 6 laps, U18&U16Boys, (SV, V, SM, SGM Men) do 5 laps, U14 Boy, U18 and U16 Girls, GM and older men, all Women’s Master classes do 4 laps, and , U14 Girls do 3 laps

The Guppy race at SA Championships has changed this year from the usual standard 2000m race as will the local trial. The course will comprise 2000m laps with the U8’s and U10’s doing 2 laps with no portages and the U12’s doing 3 laps with a 30-40m portage at the end of Laps 1 and 2.

The categories will start one after the other at 5min intervals from 09h00 entrance is free and will begin at 07h30 on the day.

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Two events are planned for W.C.C.U. paddlers for this weekend, the 1^st being a day race on the Berg River and the 2^nd being the holding of the postponed W.C.C.U. K2 Canoe Marathon Championships.

Gouda Bridge and Bridgetown

1) This Saturday, 29^th May, the W.C.C.U. K1 canoe race will be held over the 28 km section between the Gouda Bridge and Bridgetown on the Berg River. Being on the Berg, it forms one of the section of the river that will be paddled on Day 2 of the annual Berg River Canoe Marathon as well as on the Swartland Canoe Marathon – hence any paddlers keen on doing either of these marathons (or both), would be wise not miss this one.

This section is also arguably the best of the 1 day race sections with reasonable obstacles to overcome: some rapids, tight channels, one weir at Drie Gewels and, being far from any built-up areas, it is a more ‘natural’ river and with considerably less pollution in it as has been experienced closer to Paarl and Wellington and their respective defective sewage and waste disposal areas along with the informal settlements that have grown up on feeder streams to the Berg River itself.

Currently the river level on this section is fairly low – at least before the Berg River/24 Streams confluence about half way along, when inflow raises the it to a very paddler-friendly level. Before this however, it is fairly low to the extent that if the river does not rise sufficiently before Saturday (extensive and heavy rains are forecast for Thursday night and Friday morning), then the start will be moved forward by about 300m to be below the tree-block 200m downstream of Gouda Bridge. A decision on this will be made on race day.

After the start, the river is fairly clear, with some twists and turns, before Black Rock Rapid and the inevitable question it poses all paddlers – to shoot it or to portage it. At the present river level, the left chute is blocked, the middle chute is open and then there are two portaging options – one by carrying from pool to pool on river right, the other, carrying the 40 m or so down to where the river is flowing again – you make the choice but keep the ‘Hagar the Horrible’ cartoon in the latest W.C.C.U. Newsletter I mind if you do decide to shoot the middle chute, ‘cos once you’re in there, there is no turning back!

After Black Rock, paddlers should encounter no meaningful obstacles all the way down to the gangetjies above, below and after Train Bridge – even the mass of debris that was blocking this channel during last season has gone, as has the overhanging tree on one of the very tight corners after the bridge. Beyond the bridge and ‘under’ the Heuningberg (where the tall, gum trees are), the main channel remains blocked by the large tree that fell across the channel about 2 seasons ago. However, there is a sneak between the roots and the right hand bank, canoes going one-at-a-time, or portage about 50 – 70 m upstream and on river right or go right up the block, get out on the left and carry up the bank and down past the tree – if no other craft are around, this can be quite a quick portage, but if there is a pile up of boats, not so. ‘

Following this obstacle, the river flows fairly well but be aware that following the main flow isn’t always the apparent correct way to go – there are some opportunities to cut through the bush into faster flowing, shorter routes as one heads for the old drift and thereafter Ysterpen Rapid, which since the overhanging branch there has disappeared, is not much of a problem these days.

If the river remains low, then there will be a bit of a drop at Drie Gewels Weir, so be ready for a decent brace-stroke there and then it is only about a 30 minutes paddle (for middle of the field canoeists) to the end at Bridgetown, where there is neither a bridge, nor a town! Be aware though, that going through the trees after the weir, that you take the correct lines – essentially, look for the best flow and don’t go charging into areas that you can’t see too well into, nor blindly follow the paddler ahead of you – he/she may have less of a clue where they are going than you! One of the mantra’s for the section between Drie Gewels and Bridgetown is to go left, left and left again!

The favourite for this race must be Lance King (Milnerton) who is showing dominant form of late and he will be chased by the likes of Heinrich Schloms (Paarl), Pierre-Andre Rabie (Maties), Graeme Solomon (Peninsula), Ernest van Riet (Maties), Richard Fly (Maties), any one of the Birkett brothers, Patrick (Pen), Andrew and James (UCT) and Lance Kime (Maties).

Amongst the women, Robyn Kime (Maties), like King, is dominant at the moment (and is also the reigning Berg River champion, so knows the river well), with Milnerton’s Bianca Beavitt, Helene Rabie (Paarl) and Jemma Hofmeyer (Pen) likely to fight it out to fill the podium behind her. Jackie Barnes (UCT) may also put in a showing, now that UCT exam pressure is off – time will tell.

The race begins at 10h00, the put-in point being Gouda Bridge. Registration is from 08h30.

W.C.C.U. K2 (doubles) canoe marathon championships

2) The much postponed W.C.C.U. K2 (doubles) canoe marathon championships will take place on the Arrieskraal Dam in the Elgin area on Sunday 30^th May.

The move away from the city (and Zandvlei/Marina da Gama), has been forced upon the W.C.C.U. as the Cape Town City Council have not come to the party and cleared the weed and raised the level of water in these water bodies, such that a canoeing event can take place as has been requested – this ongoing saga has been going for several weeks now but unfortunately with no clear end in sight and certainly not before this weekend (which is the last weekend available for local paddlers to strut their stuff before the S.A. K1 and K2 canoe marathon championships are held on the Keurbooms River, Plettenberg Bay on 12^th and 13^th June).

The programme hasn’t been finalised at this stage, but it would appear that races will begin at 10h00. Go to the W.C.C.U. website for more information on how to get there etc. www.wpcanoe.org.za

Regards,

Rob MacLean

Media Laision – W.C.C.U.

M - 082 496 8957

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GA

GCU K1 marathon Trials and champs Sat 29th May.

Start Time for all other than the Guppies;0800 hrs.

Venue:JCC @ Wemmer Pan.

Cost;Seniors R35.

          Juniors:R25.

Note race distances and portages below.

U14 Boys and girls,                     12 km,6 laps.portages on laps,2 and 4.

U16 and U18 Girls :                    16 km,8 laps,portages on laps 2,4,and 6.

U16 and u18 Boys:                      21 km,10 laps,portages on laps 2,4,6 and 8.

U23 men and Women;              21 km,10 laps,portages on laps 2,4,6 and 8.

Senior men and women:          21 km,10 laps,portages on laps 2,4,6 and 8.

Subvet men and women;        21 km,10 laps,portages on laps 2,4,6,and 8.

Vet men and women:               21 km,10 laps,portages on laps 2,4,6,and 8.

S/master men and women:   21km,10 laps,portages on laps 2,4,6 and 8.

Master  men and women  :    21km,10 laps,portages on laps 2,4,6,and 8.

SGMaster men and women: 21km,10 laps,portages on laps 2,4,6 and 8.

Gmaster men and women  :  21km,10 laps,portages on laps 2,4,6 and 8.

Guppy start time: 10.30 am.

                                     U8 and u10; 4000m.(4km),2 laps, no portages.

                                     U12 paddle 6000m.(6km),3laps,portage on lap 1 and 2.

Food will be available;Boerie rolls and Hot Dogs.

                                           We are also hoping to have Hamburgers,Pies,and Samoosas available.

The bar will be open.

See you all on Sat.

The gate and registrations will be open from 0700 hrs.

Pete Rossouw.

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ELANDS RIVER NOVICE RACE

We have the go ahead to arrange a novice race.

The Elands race, though a bit far for some, has the approval of being a race.

We have a dedicated timekeeper and 3 dedicated Lowveld Canoeists to assist you on the water.

We have good clean water, about 7 cumecs, nice low level on the river.

The Paradise rally is also on the go at Graskop, so when daddy come biking, mommy and kids can paddle.

Maybe it is new SA and mommy comes with the Harley, dad has a chance to paddle.

See you there.

Donuts, and litres of cokes to finishers.

Enjoy the best that canoeing can get, the Lowveld Elands river.

Do not let Lukas tell you his horror stories, rather come and trip this section with us.

See for yourself.

Time of start, 11h00 for 11h15 Sat 29th, at the Ngodwana station, as you approach the Sappi Ngodwana Paper Mill, where it becomes the 80km/h zone, turn left into the dirt road, marked Ngodwana station.

Travel straight across the railway lines, until you pass a pipeline protruding from the ground. Turn left after the pipeline, drive along the pipeline and the road swerves to the right, towards the low level bridge. Park there, please do not block the road.

The start will be upstream from this bridge, climb into the river to the left, upstream from the low level bridge.

For those who do not have seconds, come to the finish at Lindenau Lodge, park the cars there before 10am. We will scramble into cars, loading boats on some vehicles, then depart for the start.

Entry fee will be R50.00 per paddler, please bring the correct amount.

Entry form will be attached, please print it and complete it by yourself, and bring it along.

Cokes and donuts at the finish.

Please confirm by e-mail, who will be attending, by Thursday, so we can order enough donuts. Coke will be 1litre.

Classes: K1, K2, K3.

River level is currently at 7.48 cumecs, dropping slowly because it is winter. Any bit of rain in the Macahododorp and Waterval Boven area will make an impact in the next few days.

So, bring along all your safety gear, splashcovers, booties, warm clothing, PFD, BOAT with more than enough buoyancy. Paddle, spare paddle, repair kit, drinking stuff. Humor.

The race has basically 3 good vantage points, accessible by road.

The start, and 500m downstream a pipe bridge for pedestrians, you have to be there before we set the guys off. On this section is very nice introductory rapids, sure to claim some sleepy paddlers, great fun very little chance of damage.

Then you drive past the Ngodwana Mill, in the 80km/h zone, at the crossing where the road goes to Kaapse Hoop you turn left, there is an Engen garage with nice pies. There is also a SPAR. Follow the road without turning into the Engen garage, it will wind down to the river. At this bridge, we would have paddled 4km. Park before or after the bridge. 700m upstream, along the railway line is Campbell’s Corner, beware of the concrete block on the right.

Just below the bridge about 200m is Beginner’s rapid, lovely look for channels waves about 100m in length, find the line?

Then there is about a 500m flat then the river swerves right into Mark’s Corner Rapid, start to the right at the top and work your way across to the left, sharp turn to the left…hold on.  There is two more rocky corners then a flat section, then you shoot into Tumble drier rapid. Hold on, paddle like hell, brace like a pro. Then a choppy section before you get to Dirk se Draai, work into it, paddle through the rocks.

Ok, Enough tips for now…it is getting too easy.

From The Ngodwana village bridge, via the river here on it is another 9km to the next Low level bridge, at Houtboschoek on the N4 towards Nelspruit.

Before this you will get the Railway Weir, manageable at all levels, best shoot it about 4 to 5m from the right hand bank, go over slowly, at about 45 degrees to the left. Otherwise sort of right of center is an easy straight slide over. If you swim it is knee deep.

From Houtboschoek it is 6km to the finish. With Gatsien rapid no.1, 2 and 3 about 1km from this bridge.

If you want a google photograph of the river e-mail me, but an  e-mail was sent as kmz file.

The finish is at Lindenau lodge, from Houtboschoek travel to the next 80km/h zone, cross the river, and just before the next bridge turn left in at the white pillars, turn right to get to the weir about 800m to the right.

Oh JA, there  is one definite portage, the lowlevel bridge, 200m downstream from the FIRST bridge over the river, at Elandshoek, portage safely to the right.

The it is about 800m paddling to the finish, with ons last major rapid, called aptly, Graduation rapid, steer left as you enter the Paul Kruger Railway Rocky Embankment, then you drop into Graduation rapid from the left of centre.

This section is then followed with some smaller rapids steer clear of rocks, paddle under the N4 bridge, finish on the left hand side, before the weir.

Hope to hear from you all and see all complete the race.

We will split K2’s into 2 groups. Experienced paddler with a novice, and purely novices.

The aim is to take novices down the river, show them what to do, and help them in major rapids.

Seniors and experienced paddlers are welcome, the winner will be the first novice home. The experienced guys should trip with us.

We have Kobus Smit, and myself tripping with a beginner in a K2.

Before I forget, accommodation.

The 2 local places in this valley, that we know of, there might be more further afield.

Elangeni resort. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  013 257 7071, or 083 797 7505 They are at the Malaga Hotel about 15km upstream from the start.

Elands Valley Lodge, at the finish, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  013 734 4212

Should you want to support our Lowveld Croc valley farmers, look at www.lowveldcanoe.co.za for more accommodation options.

Regards

Andre van der Merwe

cell 082 789 6347

fax 0866 962 558

tel. 013 764 2565

Ref. http://www.lowveld.womf.com/the home/building engineers

http://www.designmind.co.za

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EP

 “Around the Cans” – Friday Evenings – Nahoon Beach Break

Now that the Summer Series is over and we can still enjoy great summer weather in East London an informal “Around the Cans” outing will be available for those who are keen from this coming Friday, 12th March at 17h30. This is not a formalized race. Meet at Nahoon beach break.  This will be wind and surf dependent. ESLSC have offered to place the buoys and provide a rubber duck. R10.00 per paddler in to a hat to cover fuel costs etc. ELSLC bar will be open after the paddle for a drink.

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FUTHER AHEAD

SA MARATHON CHAMPS

Selection Document now available on the Marathon Page at www.canoesa.org.za

NOTE K1 and K2 rule for selection

Please make sure that all paddlers are aware of the rule with regard to racing K1 and K2 at SA Marathon Champs(i.e. seniors U23 and juniors hoping to be chosen for the SA Team to race in Spain in September)

It is up to each paddler to read the selection document which has been out for at least two months. In the document it states the following:

3.1.1       Selection for both K1 and K2 categories of any class.

3.1.1.1   Senior, U23, and Junior Paddlers under normal circumstances will only be considered for one of the K1 or K2 events. However the selectors reserve the right to deviate from this principle, where there is an outstanding individual, who in the opinion of the Selectors has the ability and a realistic chance to win a medal at the World Championships in both events.

3.1.1.2   Subject to the above, Paddlers who qualify for both K1 and K2 events at the trials, will be asked by Selectors to choose either K1 or K2 before the Selectors finalize the team selection. Likewise U23’s will have to choose between U23 or senior category when applicable.

So before marathons please make sure(in a K2), you have a partner who is not also competing for a K1 birth, and then drops you as he wants to race k1 at Worlds. The marathon committee and selectors are going to be very strict with these rules. Please also read the selection document which has the qualifying times for seniors U23, and juniors

Regards

Malcolm Stothard

www.kayakracing.co.za

www.setpaddles.co.za

Tel:011 452-1724

Fax:0865213249

Cell:0824467984

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REVISED ENTRY FORM ATTACHED Entries Close 5th June

Hi John,

SA Marathon champs entries close on 05 June. Entry fee after 05 June escalates to R200 for seniors, R100 for juniors.

Please add the attached SA Marathon Champs entry form to your newsletter. Would you also be able to add in a note that Forever Resorts have kept chalets for canoeists for the marathon champs weekend. They will open them back to the public this weekend, so if paddlers want accommodation, they must book now, or else they may lose out. We will be arranging for a TV to watch the SA vs France rugby on Saturday, which finishes around 4pm. This is when the prize giving is scheduled to start.

Thanks, Rob Hyde

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WP

SWARTLAND MARATHON

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Swartland Shindig on Sat 19th June 2010

 Preparations for the hosting of the 5th Swartland Canoe Marathon are gathering steam. During the overnight stop of the Swartland Canoe Marathon (Saturday night, 19 June 2010) the Peninsula Canoe Club, who are presenting the race, will also host the inaugural Swartland Shindig.  For more information on the 2010 Swartland Canoe Marathon please visit the website at  2010 Swartland Canoe Marathon

The Swartland Shindig will be held at The Barn in Riebeek Kasteel which is within walking distance of the centre of town. 

The club has engaged the band amaBhulu,  who describe themselves as “a truly South African band blending boeremusiek with various indigenous styles including kwela, mbaqanga, ghoema and world styles including blues, folk, rock and trancendental balladry”. Something for everyone!  Just don’t kill the band.

Entrance will be free for Swartland paddlers.  A small cover charge will apply for family, friends and visitors.  There will be a bar and the adjoining Ed’s Diner sells everything from burgers to classic cars, for those who want them.

The Swartland Canoe Marathon lucky draws will be held at the Swartland Shindig, so if you want to win, enter the 2010 Swartland Canoe Marathon and come to the Swartland Shindig.  We kick ass!

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GA

JCC 44 km Race Sun 20th June

Gavin Steyl and his band of Helpers will have opened up the section from the Day 1;2 Day Klip take-out (start of the 3km portage)

To the put in,by this event.This section has never been paddled before.

So please note;This pre-Berg event will now start,

At the Klip Pipes and finish 44km downstream at Caravan Park.

Date of this inaugural event;Sun 20th June. (We know that it’s Fathers Day, but this can be your present to Dad,

Second him on this event)

More info later,

Pete rossouw.

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WATUNI TAAIBOSCH RACE

WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE

25 KM

START AND FINISH AT WATUNI CANOE CLUB - VANDERBILPARK

9H00

K1 RACE  - BUT ALL WELCOME

Normal Watuni hospitality

Pre entries - as usual

More detail info later

Regards

Jan Leonard
Shalom Life Adviseur
Tel:  0169329325
Sel: 0836805952
Faks:  0866 830 663
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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WHAT JUST HAPPENED

GA

JCC Novice Klip Race: Sunday 23 May 2010

The JCC Novice race was impressively popular with 42 boats - 30 K1 and 12 K2 making up 54 participants and the weather was gloriously sunny and pleasant!

The organizers were very sympathetic and helpful to the “novice” field, said tongue in cheek as there were a number of more experienced paddlers who were providing an opportunity for novices to enjoy their first river races and obtain their first points towards qualifying for A grade status.  These gentlemen were in position at all strategic points to assist paddlers to climb in and out of their boats at portages, ensuring smooth transitions without back up queues forming, helping pull them through tight tree sneaks where blockages could have created problems for less experienced paddlers lining up to sneak through and the race was uneventful and lots of fun….

While there were good natured grumbles regarding the additional two km upstream paddle against some fairly strong currents around corners, everybody enjoyed the challenges and certainly there was a lot to be learned with fast currents around corners, boats ferrygliding and going sideways, needing to be straightened out and some hard heavy paddling needed in some areas and while there were a few swimmers as paddlers came to terms with the undercurrents, the course was manageable and enjoyable.

A couple of very young juniors were withdrawn from the race as they were still guppy paddlers and as always Klip has a number of tree blocks, tree sneaks and the fairly strong currents and side washes required some river reading experience as well as strength to be able to handle successfully, and while there weren’t a great number of large rapids, there was certainly enough wave trains and tricky sections for novices to find challenging and the concern is always present that in the event of troubles and swims, the very young and small juniors could find it difficult to retrieve their situation and recover themselves to safety.  The novice race is most definitely not flat water and most adult novices participating for the first time in their K1’s were pleasantly challenged and pleased at being able to manage successfully.

All paddlers finished the race timeously within the cut off which would have been the main goal of the novice race and the novice winners were proclaimed as young Marcel de Lange of Victoria Lake Canoe Club, and Bernard van Heerden, Watuni Canoe Club who finished in 12th and 15th position respectively.  Marcel was among a group of novices who participated in a proficiency test the day before to enable them to enjoy their first river race and obtain their first points.

The first boat to finish was Dabs’ Anthony Bown with his novice Gareth Saunders in 53.38 (as Subvets) (Under strict instructions that he was not allowed to race too hard and shorten the time period for the novices to qualify) and the first K1 boat to finish was Sifiso Vincent Cebekhulu from Soweto who was Under 16, followed by the first Under 18, Thulani Ngamlana (SOW) a couple of seconds later.  The first Under 14 was Colin Ledwaba (VIC) and first Under 21 was Sabelo Radebe (SOW).  Gunther Grune (DABS) was the first vet to finish in position 16, and the first ladies boat were Carla and Marike Ubbink from Centurion in 20th place, overall being the 6th K2.  Peter and Kelly McBride (DABS) were the first mixed double as the 7th K2.  The first Sub Master finishing the race was David  (Dabs) in 26th as the 19th K1 while the first Grand Master was Franz Fischer from JCC 21st K1, with Craig Smith of FLCC being the First Master to finish as 22nd K1.

Lynne van Zyl and Claire Prahm were the lady K1 finishers in 33 and 34th position overall (FLCC and DABS).

It was a great race, with good marshalling making the learners feel very safe and comfortable enabling them to enjoy the race fully, with super weather and of course once again we must thank the JCC crews for the enormous amount of time and effort put into clearing the trees, creating sneaks and opening up areas of the river for us to enjoy – this is a tremendous time consuming and not very pleasant job that is seldom appreciated, but makes the world of difference to the paddlers who enjoy the benefits!  Well done and thanks Gavin Steyl, Warren Ziervogel and the crews from JCC – you’re stars!

Jennie Dallas

GCU Media

082 857 857 1

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WP

Paarl to Skooltjie, Berg River, 22^nd May, 2010.

Today’s W.C.C.U. canoe race on the Berg River between Paarl and Wellington (23km), was raced in perfect weather, albeit it a low river given that there has been no rain this past week – a big difference from last Saturday, when the river was in full spate.

From the start, Lance King (Milnerton) stamped his dominance on this race – the ‘Pupil’ showing what he has learnt from the ‘Master’, Graeme Solomon (Peninsula and also now a Sub Veteran – i.e. aged between 35 and 39 years), over the preceding year or two when he grew in Solly’s shadow, to finally tip him from the top spot that he has held for more than 10 years in the Western Cape. Content initially to race with the leading bunch of Solomon and Heinrich Schloms (Paarl) – they were on their own from the Dal Josephat weir and rapid, King breaking away later to comprehensively win the race in 1 hour 32 minutes 22 seconds, a full minute and a couple of seconds from second placed Schloms (1:33:26) with Solomon on his slip for 3^rd in 1:33:29. With King stating that the Berg River Marathon is firmly in his sights for 2010, this was a good start and with the likes of Schloms and Solomon to push him it just might be the youngsters year. One shouldn’t discount Matie paddler Pierre-Andre Rabie though, absent today because he is writing exams this afternoon, who showed his mettle at the WCCU Canoe Marathon K1 Championships held 2 weeks ago, when he was second to King over the 36 km course. Once he is back on the river, along with Ernest van Riet (Maties) who was also missing in action today’s (rumour has it that he had a ticket for Newlands this evening!) and the return of former National paddler to the World Canoe Marathon Championships, Peninsula’s Simon van Gysin, great things are expected from the top men’s paddlers in the province.

The women’s section of the race was badly hit by the current university examinations, the likes of Robyn Kime (Maties) and Jackie Barnes (UCT) not being available, whilst Lindi-May Harmse (Milnerton) is overseas on National canoeing duty, but excitingly, a junior paddler in Marisa Pretorius (Milnerton) came through to win (1:55:00) by over 7 minutes from Paarl’s Helene Rabie, whilst Peninsula’s, Jemma Hofmeyer, a further 2 minutes back, was in 3^rd place.

The Paarl juniors dominated the junior boys race, with Joseph Williams winning in 1:43:13 (13^th overall) from  Michael-Lee Farringer (Bridgehouse – 1:44:29 – making him the 1^st U16 paddler home!) and Luke Stowman (also an U16 paddler) in 1:49:15).

The was also an excellent turnout of paddlers in the different age groups (118 paddlers competed in the race this morning) with one of the interesting stats. being the Sub Grandmaster division (55 – 59 years) had 15 paddlers competing, the Grandmasters (60 – 64 years) had 6 paddlers, proving to all, that this is a sport for all age groups – note that this event today had paddlers aged from 15 years to over 70 years – not too many sports can boast that.

On the water too were 4 members of South Africa’s original canoeing family – canoeing Springbok brothers Willem and Enslin van Riet, both with the 2010 Berg in their sights. Missing in action were another brother, Roelof (at rugby), his son – the already mentioned Ernest - but Willem’s son Louw just missed a top 10 today (11^th overall), his other son, ‘Lang” Willem, an Olympian in 1992 wasn’t available, but Enslin’s daughter, Desiree, has taken up paddling. Another paddling Springbok with offspring on the river today was Anthony Penderis – his daughter Kirsten was the 6^th woman home.

Next Saturday’s race on the Berg River – another K1 event, is the 28 km section to be raced between Gouda Bridge and Bridgetown – arguably the best section of the Berg River to paddle on.

Results – Paarl to Skooltjie, Berg River, 22^nd May, 2010.

Senior Men.

1.Lance King(Milnerton) 1 hour 32 minutes 22 seconds.

2. Heinrich Schloms (Paarl) 1:33:26

3. Graeme Solomon (Peninsula) 1:33:29

Senior Women

1. Marisa Pretorius (Milnerton) 1:55:00

2. Helene Rabie (Paarl) 2:02:06

3. Jemma Hofmeyer (Peninsula) 2:04:59

Juniors

1. Joseph Williams (Paarl) 1:43:13

2. Michael-Lee Farringer (Bridgehouse/Paarl) 1:44:29

3. Like Stowman (Paarl) 1:49:15

Sub Veterans

1. Graeme Solomon (Pen) 1:33:29

2. Greg van Heerden (Mil) 1:38:45

3. Daan du Toit (Mil) 1:47:02

Veterans

1. Herbert Conradie (Paarl) 1:45:01

2. Dave Hitchcock (Pen) 1:47:04

3. Rob Meintjies (Lan) 1:50:14

Sub Masters

1. Rob Hart (Pen)  1:38:46

2. Chris de Waal (Mil) 1:38:47

3. Mynhardt Marais (Paarl) 1:44:13

Masters

1. Daantjie Malan (Maties) 1:47:51

2. Paul Lange (Pen) 1:49:21

3. Ian Glass (Pen) 1:51:44

Sub Grandmasters

1. Shaun Butler (Pen) 1:45:04

2. Andre Rabie (Paarl) 1:51:10

3. Rob MacLean (Pen) 1:55:12

Grandmasters

1. Giel van Deventer (Paarl) 1:54:12

2. Tienie van Schoor (Maties) 2:05:28

3. Andre Collins (Mil) 2:06:34

Rob MacLean

Media Liaison – W.C.C.U.

M - 082 496 8

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KZ

Van der Walt grabs first series win in King of theBay marathon

Durban - World Under 23 marathon canoeing champ Grant van der Walt took full advantage of the idyllic Durban weather to post his first win the the Discovery Sunglass Hut Surfski Series by racing away alone to win the McCarthy Toyota King of the Bay on Sunday.
 
 Exploiting the calm flat conditions, and the absence of series pacesetter Matthew Bouman, the 21 year old student was all smiles as he coasted home to a two minute victory over Hank McGregor at the end of the unique 22 kilometer race across Durban harbour and traversing Durban Bay.
 
 "Those were my kind of conditions today," grinned Van der Walt, who last weekend squandered three places, and a significant portion of the prizemoney when he was dumped in the backline coming into the finish of the Dunlop Surfski World Cup.
 
 Van der Walt and McGregor were part of a four boat lead bunch with Cape racer Tom Schilperoort and Durban local Mark Mulder as the race emerged from the mouth of Durban harbour after the rare ten kilometer dice from the start at the Bayhead Silt canal. The four were still together when they turned at the can off the Hypermarket in Durban North.
 
 "Hank (McGregor) and I made a move then, and we dropped the other two at the turn," said  Van der Walt. "With about three kilometers to go I managed to get ahead, and worked hard to keep on opening up that gap." 
 
 Schilperoort grabbed the last spot on the podium in a needle sprint up the beach to the finishes line with Mark Mulder, reminiscent of the thrilling beach sprint that decided last weekends ISPA title at Winklespruit.
 
 Marc Holtzhausen took fifth place, just ahead of visiting French international Sene Gaetan, who is enjoying the vibrant surfski culture in Durban after taking part in last weekend's Dunlop Surfski World Cup.
 
 The women's race proved to be the closest of the series so far, as Toti ace Michelle Eder was hounded all the way to the line by Durban stalwart Donna Winter.
 
 "Sheesh that was exhausting!" said Eder. "I spent all day on Saturday at a lifesaving training camp where we were worked very hard. So when we started this morning I was really hurting."
 
 "Donna (Winter) was strong and the more I tried to shake her off she just stuck there," Eder added.
 
 Overall line honours went to the double ski crew of Dusi ace Ant Stott paddling with Barry Lewin, still sporting the beard grown during the gruelling Coast 2 Coast For Cancer jetski odyssey around South Africa.
 
 The short course race was won by veteran river paddler Mark Perrow, making a rare appearance in a surfski, while the crew of Judson Smythe and Clinton Bullard won the double ski section of the 10km short course race.
 
 This unique race is the only time in the year that the port authorities allow surfski paddlers to paddle across and out of the mouth of Durban harbour, and a good field of over 300 paddlers took advantage of the opportunity in ideal calm weather conditions.
 
 The Discovery Sunglass Hut Surfski Series takes a break next weekend to avoid clashes with the Comrades marathon, and then continues with the popular Hi-Q Marine race on Sunday 6 June.
 
 More information and results can be found at www.surfski.co.za

Dave Macleod
Gameplan Media
Tel +27 (0) 31 764 3017
Fax +27 (0) 31 764 2990
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.gameplanmedia.co.za

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FANTASTIC NEWS FROM DUCT

Yesterday our bank manager from Nedbank called with the news that R8 million had been deposited in the DUCT account. 

No, this was not a mistake, but confirmation that DUCT has been successful with a proposal to the National Lottery Board for a three year River Care programme stretching from Maritzburg to Durban (not excluding Howick/Mpophomeni).  The programme will directly employ up to 100 people, and will indirectly help to keep another five in full time or part time employment.  In all, nine River Care Teams will be deployed, three in Pietermaritzburg, three in Durban, one in Howick and Mphophomeni, and two between Maritzburg and Durban.  Each team will be allocated a specific stretch of river, and on this stretch their tasks will be:

The removal and control of alien invasive vegetation (aquatic and terrestrial)

The removal of trash (from the banks and the water) and, where possible, to prevent illegal dumping

The regular inspection of sewer lines and stormwater discharge points, providing an early warning system for sewage spills and industrial spills

The proposal was submitted in July 2009, and it was a case of third time lucky as we have twice before submitted proposals to the Lottery Board without success.  Thanks must go to Francois du Toit, the director of the Msunduzi Innovation and Development Initiative (MIDI), who spotted the proposal call, drew it to our attention, and encouraged us to put in a bold proposal.  The total budget is R15.8 million over three years.  We had our first inkling that we might be in with a chance in December 2009, when the Board came back to us with a request for more information.  Two months ago we were sent a contract, but we did not want to make a public announcement until we had actually seen the money.

Over the last few months we had begun to take preparatory steps to ready ourselves for this next phase in DUCT’s existence.  On 1 March Caroline Scott commenced work as DUCT’s Office Manager, responsible for finance, administration and human resources.  A passionate outdoors person, Caroline comes to us with valuable experience from her five years with Span Africa.   While working Caroline has been studying through UNISA for her BCom Degree, and hopes to complete this in 2010.

We have also advertised the positions for a Durban based DUCT manager and for nine field team supervisors.  A copy of the advertisement that appeared in the press is attached.  If you know of anyone who you think should be applying for any of these posts, please alert them.  It will make a big difference to us to have a full time manager in Durban, as we have barely begun in terms of the scope of the work that must be done there.  However, we do have in place a very strategic and important partnership with the city of Durban’s new Green Corridor Initiative, which we helped to nurture and develop when its manager, Gary Cullen, was still out in the wilderness as it were, trying to get backing for this idea (on which more later).

We have also made arrangements to move from the office at 1 Edmond road, Campsdrift (on the premises of Graeme Pope-Ellis’ business Reapers) to larger premises at 4 Edmond Place (upstairs above Pope’s Canoes).  So if you should be stopping in to see Owen Hemingway about a boat, why not pop in to meet the team.

Getting the funding is a great opportunity, but it is just the start.  The real challenge will be to ensure that the money is well spent and that it makes a difference.  We would like to be able to demonstrate to our municipalities and our communities what a well spent rand can achieve.

Reading this you might be thinking, well that’s alright then, DUCT is sorted for the next three years, and does not need my support.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  The lottery funding will help with our work in four of our strategic areas, namely solid waste, faecal waste, industrial waste and invasive  vegetation control.  It does not cover our work in the remaining four, namely the reduction of soil erosion, lobbying for the implementation of the National Water Act’s provision for environmental Reserve spate flows below dams, the better control and regulation of sand winning operations in the uMsunduzi and uMngeni valleys, and the reduction of waterborne disease in the valley (principally bilharzia).   These latter four are equally important to us, and our work in these areas must go on.  It also does not cover the many many hours we need to put into meetings and liaison with the many other stakeholders that have a role to play in river health issues.  Our job and our mission is to champion river health in those forums, and through so doing to motivate, pressure, encourage and cajole all the many others whose day job it is (usually at tax payers expense) to address the very issues that impact on river health.

We need your support now more than ever

So, the bottom line is, we need your support now as much as we ever did, and possibly more so.  To give you a challenge for providing this support we are launching two initiatives, the DUCT 100 Club and the DUCT 1000 Club.  To become a member of the DUCT 100 club you need to commit to giving us at least R1200 per year or R100 per month.  In return you will receive our annual reports and regular e-mail updates on our work, and your contributions will be acknowledged on our website.  You will also be given stickers for your boats and cars which declare that you are a DUCT 100 Club member, which we hope you will display with pride.  To become a member of the DUCT 1000 Club you need to commit to giving us at least R12 000 per year or R1 000 per month.  Apart from giving you all the benefits of the DUCT 100 club, DUCT 1000 Club members will be invited to an annual dinner at which there will be a report on DUCT’s work, with a guest speaker of national significance in the environmental field.  Both classes of membership are open to private individuals or businesses alike, and note that donations to DUCT are tax deductible in terms of Section 18A of the Income Tax act.  DUCT’s finances are properly audited and are transparent – you can find copies of our financial statements on our website (www.duct.org.za).  If you would like to sign up for either the DUCT 100 Club or the DUCT 1000 Club, contact Caroline at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and she will register you.  I urge you to act on this, especially if you have been meaning to do something for a long time but have never quite got around to it.  Do it now.  Over the last five years DUCT has had a fantastic amount of moral support, but, and I am sorry to have to write this, not nearly enough of the kind that actually makes a difference (i.e. time or money). 

Inanda Rafting

You may have read on our website about the rafting trip which we organised below Inanda Dam on March 27th this year, or at least you may have cashed in and taken the opportunity to enjoy the associated 29 cumec water release.   Although DUCT was initiated by paddlers, it is belongs to all those who care about river health and our beautiful river valleys.  Some of these folk, notably those who have over the years attended the Lower Mgeni Catchment Management Forums at KCC and then Crusaders, have been wanting to see the places we keep referring to in discussions about the river, places with evocative names like Umzinyathi, Tops Needle, Graveyard and Five Fingers.  This year we finally got our act together and with help from Mother Nature (enough rain to keep Inanda spilling for long enough), Umgeni Water (cooperation with opening the valves), Hugh Raw and Dickie Edwards (provision of rafts and equipment at heavily discounted prices), Charlie Mason (river leader) and a number of paddlers (at least one paddler to partner with each non-paddler on the trip), it all happened.  Nine non-paddlers joined us, all of them in leadership roles in government and civil society in fields from tourism development to pollution control to conservation.  They were blown away by the beauty of the gorge and the adrenalin rush of the white water.  Even the paddlers got to enjoy the river in a new way, not being in race mode but being free to take it easy, to look around and to see things like the Fish Eagles and the kingfishers that normally escape your notice.  Many of the paddlers (with their unwitting companions) took the opportunity to find out exactly why Island 1 and 2 have such a reputation, and now they know.  In fact the one swim of the day was when yours truly was unceremoniously dumped out of his raft having managed to pilot it backwards into the big drop at Island 2, much to the amusement of everyone else.  My non-paddling charge, Durban’s pollution control director, Chris Fennemore, was left to paddle the raft down the rest of the rapid by himself, and rose gamely to the occasion.   Working with Durban’s Green Corridor Initiative, DUCT will be motivating the authorities to schedule weekend releases of this nature in late summer every year, at least when the dam is spilling (actually, in terms of the Water Act there should from time to time be such releases even when the dam is not spilling, but that is another story and it will probably be at least 15 years before we get that right in the Umgeni catchment, due to the current levels of risk of water shortages should a big drought hit us).

Talbot Laboratories DUCT Trail Runs

Inspired by DUCT manager Andrew Booth’s passionate enthusiasm for trail running, we have just completed the second Talbot Laboratories – DUCT Trail Run Series.  The three  7/15 km runs took participants to the Duzi Valley from Bishopstowe Hall, and to the uMngeni Valley from Cumberland and Table Mountain.  The runs were scheduled early, starting at just after sunrise on Saturday mornings, which meant that runners could be home by 8 or 9 am.  The routes took in farm land, bush veld and forest, ridges and valleys, and invariably included some serious hills (particularly for those doing the 15 km option).  A few of the big names like Graeme Pope-Ellis and Martin Dreyer took part, and well known ultra athlete Iain Don-Wauchope again proved unbeatable in the men’s events.  Women’s honours were taken by Jean Hackland, who left most of the men far behind.  Not only do the trial runs introduce DUCT and the river valleys to the running community, they also give paddlers who are short of training in their off season something to get out of bed for (and the discovery that the Campbell’s portage route is actually quite lekker without a boat on your back).  Local farmers, several of the Edmonds clan in particular, were particularly helpful in making the series possible.  There will be a spring series later this year, and we hope in time to launch the concept in the Durban area as well. 

Time to sign off.  If you haven’t already seen it I encourage you to get a copy of a commencement address delivered on 3 May 2010 at the University of Portland by Paul Hawken (google it – you’ll find it).  I believe it is set to go viral and become a classic.  Here are a couple of quotes:

Working for the earth is not a way to get rich, it is a way to be rich.

Forget that this task of planet-serving is not possible in the time required. Don’t be put off by people who know what is not possible.  Do what needs to be done, and check to see if it was impossible only after you are done.

David Still

DUCT Chairman

22 May 2010

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GENERAL NEWS

C-Kayak Mauritius

\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it "/>

Willows Adventure Sports now offers two exciting kayaking experiences to Mauritius

The first offer is:

“A TWO WEEK “BEACH HOPPING”, SELF-SUPPORTED CAMPING EXPERIENCE FOR THE ‘HAPPY CAMPERS’. A 180 KM CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF THE ISLAND.” Bookings for the December trip are now open.

The second offer is:

“A ONE OR TWO WEEK (YOU CHOOSE) “HOTEL HOPPING” PADDLING EXPERIENCE. PADDLE THE CALMER MOST PRISTINE SECTIONS OF THE COASTLINE. “This is for those who enjoy viewing some of the best scenery in the world from the seat of a kayak with all the comforts included.”

Bookings for the trips in October now open.

For more details contact Les Willows of Willows Adventure Sports. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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MAURITIUS TRIPS

The Liquid Adventures offers Kayak trips around Mauritius covering the whole of the island, visiting untouched pieces of Mauritius and the adjoining Islands

These kayak trips depart from various locations on the island depending on the length of tour and time of year, and the trips last between 4 and 12 days.

The kayak trip is suitable for everyone and anyone, and our two seater ocean kayaks are fast and stable. The Sea kayak is the ideal small craft to explore the coast line from the sea.

We use mainly tents whilst on the trip, and hotels before & after the trip. All accommodation and food is provided for – just bring yourself !

There are no set dates as we run the trips throughout the year, and over the school holidays for schools.

It guarantees to be the best fun you will ever have in a kayak……whilst in paradise !

All the details at:-

www.liquidadventures.info

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AQUATIC FANATIC IN MAY

TX times for the May edition for Aquatic Fanatic. In addition to some surfing there is surfski action from Plett, and some awesome kayaking from the Adidas sickline world tour

2010/05/26 21:00:00 SuperSport One
2010/05/27 16:30:00 SuperSport Two
2010/05/27 05:00:00 SuperSport Two
2010/05/27 01:00:00 SuperSport Action
2010/05/29 22:30:00 SuperSport Five
2010/05/31 22:30:00 SuperSport Five
2010/06/01 07:00:00 SuperSport One
2010/06/03 21:00:00 SuperSport Action
2010/06/04 02:30:00 SuperSport Action
2010/06/04 11:00:00 SuperSport Action
2010/06/10 01:00:00 SuperSport Action
2010/06/12 09:00:00 SuperSport Five
2010/06/14 11:00:00 SuperSport Six
2010/06/16 16:00:00 SuperSport CSN
2010/06/16 16:00:00 SuperSport Two
2010/06/17 21:00:00 SuperSport Seven
2010/06/17 21:00:00 SuperSport (Ten)
2010/06/18 09:30:00 SuperSport Six
2010/06/23 19:00:00 SuperSport Seven
2010/06/24 11:00:00 SuperSport Six
2010/06/24 01:00:00 SuperSport Action
2010/06/25 20:00:00 SuperSport Five
2010/06/28 23:00:00 SuperSport Five
2010/06/29 04:00:00 SuperSport Two

Dave Macleod
Gameplan Media
Tel +27 (0) 31 764 3017
Fax +27 (0) 31 764 2990
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.gameplanmedia.co.za

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SMALLS

I am selling my surf ski, its an illusion (make of ski), it is vacuumed infused glass. R5000.

Cheers

Chukky

0825711180

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For Sale: Zeus K2

Zeus K2 for sale. Has been professionally patched in the past. Currently in very good condition.

White deck with blue trim. Very suitable for novices, intermediates and river conditions.

Asking R2000 cash. Boat currently resident in Northcliff, Johannesburg.

--

Nicholas Mulder

Tel: +27 82 898 7871

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Knysna Racing Paddles for sale in Maritzburg.  Swing 1 with carbon blades and glass shafts.  Any length available. At trade price - R900.00 each.  Contact Rory on 0824410436.

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Fenn Millennium Double, good condition R4,500.00.

Contact Mike Frizelle 0824640998.

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I have the following boats for sale. If you want to see a pic please mail me and I’ll send.

K2- White Noka (Kevlar hull)- 1 Dusi but still in good shape

K2- Red Noka (Kevlar hull)- professionally repaired and in reasonable state for rivers but good for flat water

K2- Renegade- done a few rivers but still strong

K1- Popes ?(for novice)- selling on behalf of AN Other. Never seen a river and in good condition.

K1- Pegasus- done a Dusi or 2 but good for tripping.

Boats are in Centurion but can be brought to Jo’burg (upon receipt of payment).

Make me an offer

Ian Faller

083 399 8899

Skype: ernie.faller

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