THE WEEKEND AHEAD WP Windhoek Berg River canoe marathon entry date extended. Cape Town – The organisers of the 2010 Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon have extended the closing dates for entries by a week to cater for the anticipated last minute rush of entries.
Entries will be taken until 12h00 on Wednesday 7 July. Entry forms are available from the race website here
29 year old Paarl star Heinrich Schloms’ entry is confirmed. A veteran of ten berg’s, Schloms has been a key players in the evolution of the race for the overall title in recent years.
“I’m all fired up and raring to go” said Schloms from the winelands today, whose early entry sits alongside the entries of respected marathoners Greg van Heerden, Enslin van Riet, Chris de Waal and Durban racer Marc Holtzhausen. The second entry received at the race HQ came from Berg icon Giel van Deventer, signalling his intentions of completing a record 41st Berg. Van Deventer and André Collins hold the record of 40 Bergs successfully completed.
“Its been a topsy-turvy year so far, particularly with the distraction of the soccer, and paddlers have been a little slow off the mark,” said race administrator Laura van Heerden. “We are getting a lot of enquries and questions, and are anticipating a deluge of last minute entries.”
She added that the race was creating a novel “Barn experience” for paddlers keen to savour the experience of the race through the Winelands and the Swartland to the West Coast.
This involves contestants dropping their overnight possessions, wrapped in a plastic bag provided by the race organisers, at the start, from where they will be transported to brns at each overnight stop.
“A bonfire, glass of red wine and warm barn can then await each paddler at the end of the day’s canoeing,” said Van Heerden. Any questions relating to the above can be directed to the Race Secretary, Laura van Heerden on 0847002742 or
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.
The Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon takes place for 14 to 17 July, and will be preceded by a time trials for 200 invited athletes on Tuesday 13 July. More information can be found at www.windhoekberg.co.za Riaan Manser – Berg Novice Paarl – When organisers of the Windhoek Berg River Canoe marathon that starts in Paarl on Wednesday publish their list of entries, much of the talk will centre on the inclusion of a Berg novice, but one of Africa’s most celebrated adventurers- Riaan Manser.
Manser was catapulted to global fame after his epic bicycle journey around Africa in 2006, which he followed in 2009 with an equally tough solo kayaking expedition around Madagascar, a 5000km paddle that took eleven months to complete.
No-one will dispute Manser’s tenacity and ability to endure hardship, but the popular Betties Bay resident could not resist the opportunity to take on a canoeing race widely regarded as the toughest river marathon around, covering 228km over four tough days through the middle of the Western Cape winter.
“I crave adventure,” says Manser. “This is one humungous challenge for me because I am basically a novice, and I know that what awaits me next week will be a massive, massive challenge.”
Manser has been fortunate to have a number of experienced Berg paddlers take him under their wing, including Herbert Conradie, the chairman of the Paarl Canoe Club and the likes of hardened river racer Daantjie Malan.
“The paddling community in the Cape has been so unbelievably supportive and helpful,” says Manser. “They know what I massive challenge I am facing, and most of them think I am mad, but they have been so helpful.”
Armed with a stable K1 provided by the race sponsors Windhoek, Manser completed his first river race on the weekend, and was stunned by the technical difficulty of the thick trees blocks that line the route.
“Gee I swam a lot!” said Manser. “I couldn’t believe how difficult it was trying to get through those trees on the river. I think I came second to last on the race, but I was learning all the time. Every time I get into the boat it is a big learning curve.”
“River racing is so totally different to kayaking on the sea,” he added. “The obstacles on the river like the trees and rocks make it a totally new challenge for me as a paddler.”
“I know I can manage the pain and suffering that will be involved – I guess that is one of my talents. I am not bringing any ego baggage into the race, and I will probably spend quite a bit of timer with the sweeps at the back of the race,” said Manser.
That solitary paddle will probably suit Manser. “I’m a solo adventurer, and what worries me the most is being part of a bunch of thirty paddlers racing to get through a tiny bottleneck in the river
“It’s the 49th edition of the Windhoek Berg, and it is a privilege to be involved. I’m not too sure what my schedule will be like next year but I would love to be part of the 50th edition of the Berg. But right now I just have to cut my teeth on the race next week,” he said.
Manser can be contacted for telephonic interview through his personal assistant Shea Lister on 0722367408
The Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon takes place for 14 to 17 July, and will be preceded by a time trials for 200 invited athletes on Tuesday 13 July. More information can be found at www.windhoekberg.co.za Heart-broken Solomon withdraws from Windhoek Berg River canoe marathon. Cape Town – Cape river marathon star Graeme Solomon has reluctantly withdrawn from next week's Windhoek Berg River Canoe marathon to focus his energies on his world marathon champs challenge in September, and in the process he has significantly altered the dynamics amongst the 2010 Berg title contenders. Solomon, a former winner of the four day 228km classic race from Paarl to Velddrif that starts on Wednesday 14 July, made the tough decision to miss this year’s Windhoek Berg to optimise his chances of a world title in the world marathon champs in Spain with Ant Stott, a former winner of the K2 world title. "It was an unbelievably difficult decision for me to make," said Solomon. "The Berg means so much to me, and was very much part of my planning for 2010. However everything changed when Ant Stott asked me to team up with him in his K2 for the worlds." "I am not getting any younger and it is harder for me to optimise my speed," said the popular 37 year old, who has been a dominant strategist on the Berg for the past decade. "I feel a huge responsibility to be able to give everything to Ant (Stott) in the world's, and I agonised over whether I would be able to do that, and do the Berg." "Maybe if I was Lance King and 23 years old I would be able to do both, but I had to make a tough decision, which gave me sleepless nights for weeks," Solomon added. "To his credit Ant (Stott) didn't put me under any pressure, but I'm pretty sure he is chuffed with the decision I have taken." Stott and Solomon make up a highly respected K2 crew, having twice raced the world marathon championships. finishing sixth in the world in Valladolid in Spain a year before the dramatic world champs that was hammered by flooding in the Czech republic. Solomon was also shaken by an injury during the recent Swartland marathon when he was trapped in a tree block in a potentially life threatening situation on the final day. He managed to wrestle himself free and out of danger, but hurt his shoulder in the process. "That's what racing on the Berg is all about, and why I love it," he said "But given that an incident like that could easily happen on the Windhoek Berg, I could not risk that sort of injury so close to the worlds." "I am going to hate next week, knowing that the Windhoek Berg is starting, and having decided that I can't be there," he added. "Maybe I'll just bury my head in the sand for four days." "I absolutely love the Berg," he added. "Next year will be the 50th edition of the race, Windhoek will be there again and I will be back, faster and stronger than ever! Hey, Lance Armstrong looks like he could win the Tour de France this year and we are about the same age!" Solomon predicted a far closer race than many pundits have hinted at. "The long term weather forecast looks pretty dry, so it doesn't look like it is going to be a full Berg. That will definitely play into the local guys hands. So watch out for people like Pierre-Andre Rabie and Lance King," he said. The Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon takes place for 14 to 17 July, and will be preceded by a time trials for 200 invited athletes on Tuesday 13 July. More information can be found at www.windhoekberg.co.za <http://www.windhoekberg.co.za/> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KZ Discovery Sunglass Hut Winter Series Race 10 – Hansa 5 Beaches Final Series Race This Sunday
11 July: Hansa 5 Beaches. 20km: Awesome T-Shirt to all Paddlers.
The late Sam Wyer's 5 Beaches is one of the ICONIC races in Kwazulu Natal. This race date gets a Circle on the calendar Immediatly cos it is such a classic paddle. Ideal conditions are a slight swell with a SW wind. If the Swell is Too Big/Strong, we will paddle downwind from Umkomaas to Toti. On Either SW Wind or Lite NW, The Start is at the Umkomass river Mouth with beach stops at Karridene, Winkle and Warners before coming in at the Toti River Mouth and Finish on the Toti River at the Toti Canoe Club. Karridene=Partage around a flag on the Beach in front of the Karridene Hotel
Winkle=Portage around the Swimming pool (IE: The entire Point)
Warners=Portage around the Swimming pool(IE: The entire Point) If the NE wind blows, the race will be Ansteys to Toti River Mouth. Time:
8:30 - 9:30 Race Reg
10:00 Start
Safety KIT: MUST Check in With Leash & CELL at Race registration 17 July - Discovery Scottburgh to Brighton(46.5km) or Scottburgh Toti(30km)
Entry Close 13 July on www.roag.co.za
18 July - "THE" Final Party & Prize Giving @ Marine LSC - 3-8pm
Must PRE Book your Tickets (R100) to "THE" Final Party on www.roag.co.za Ticket includes (Salad, Main, Desert, Tea/Coffee, Welcome Hansa & party) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Knysna Lagoon Challenge \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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--------------------------------------- GA Bond Choice Series- No 2 Competition rules will be the same as previous years
5 Race Series - paddlers need to do the 2 compulsory races + 1 of the other races in the series to qualify for the lucky draw at the last race.
For further details and entry forms please check www.freewebs.com/flcc;
The 3rd & 5th Races are the COMPULSORY Races
We have added a special lucky draw PRIZE for those paddlers who participate in all five races in the series!!!
Tee & Coffee available at the start compliments of Bond Choice
Date - Sat 10th July 2010
Venue - Andre's Farm
Start - 09H00
Pre-entries - www.gcu.co.za close Thuraday 18th July 17H00
Entry Fee - Seniors R65-00 Juniors R55-00 (Includes R10-00 Klip Levy and R10-00 Caravan Park)
Finish - Caravan Park
Distance - 25km
K2 race K1's welcome
Batch Start on the water- 5 Minute splits
Spot Prizes - Canoe Concepts, & Thule
Refreshments will be available at the finish
DIRECTIONS TO THE START
Take the R59
1st offramp after the Block House Walkerville - Randvaal
Turn left at top of off ramp
Go to the T-Junction turn right
First stop street turn left
Just before the bridge over the Klip River turn right into the gate (Green pallisade fence)
Bertie Baard
FLCC
011 353 6700
072 359 6767 --------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: this weekends race is SATURDAY - ! SATURDAY – not Sunday!! PRE- ENTRIES ARE ESSENTIAL PLEASE : THEY CLOSE ON THURSDAY ( the organizers need to input the pre – entries in order to do the batches properly on Friday because the RACE is on SATURDAY – we don’t have an extra day to do the admin – PLEASE CO-OPERATE!) If you enter on the day then you get to pay penalty additional R25 fee - so save money and ENTER NOW!! AND you get to go in the LAST batch too! Entry forms and banking details available on www.gcu.co.za – EMAIL with POP to
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A SHUTTLE LIFT from the finish is available (another FLCC innovation!!) MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCED PLEASE: EMAIL me before midday Friday for shuttle lifts at R10 from the finish Shuttle lift will leave caravan park at 8h10 am Don’t be late – we can’t wait for people and make the others late!!! Please ensure that your boats have been left at the start – the shuttle ride does not include boats! This Saturdays Bond Choice race is the 2nd in the series of 5 and will be the exact same stretch of river as the VLC race paddled last weekend – From Andres farm to Caravan Park (The Henley Weir portage may be different in the interests of uniqueness and convenience and fun – depending on river tree clearing taking place this week!) Special lucky draw prizes for those who participate in EVERY ONE of the 5 races in the Bond Choice Series hosted by Florida Lake Canoe Club so don’t miss it! Boat draws and super prizes for those who qualify for the final lucky draw by participating in 3 out of the 5 in the series including the TWO compulsory races in August and December….. Please spread the word re pre-entries and shuttles to your other club members and friends who may not receive GPKAYAK emails – anyone who is unable to subscribe to GPKayak may email me to be put on a separate BLIND emailing group for race information……. Details of the rapids and obstacles on this river are available for those who do not know this stretch of river well – email me for details!! WHAT to watch out for? Mine DUMP ME rapid……Saloojees Bridge…..BROKEN WEIR –( choose the LEFT line, not the right side of the river!) Jennie ----------ooooo----------- FUTHER AHEAD Shamaal Races, 2010 The Shamaal team have extended their sponsorship to the Mauritius Ocean Classic (7-11 Sep) - as well as the Southern Shamaal PE2EL Challenge (9-12 Dec) and their flagship event the Dubai Shamaal (1 Dec). All the information you need about these events can be found on www.surfski.info. 2010 Surfski.info Reader Survey Did you know that the most used paddle length is 2.12m and that 15% of the surfski.info readers use a left hand twist on their blades? And 84% of our readers paddle several times a day or every day... that's hardcore! Help us to develop these and other statistics about the surfski paddling community by filling in our 2010 Surfski.info Reader Survey. The survey is anonymous and takes about a minute to complete. Our goal this year is to get 500 surveys - we're at 240 as I write this... and counting. Click here to go straight to the survey ---------------------------------------------------------- SLALOM IN SA CSA recently ratified a new SA Slalom Committee headed up by KZN’s Ant Wewege. The new committee will be holding a National Slalom Regatta on the weekend of 24th and 25th July on the Ash River course near Bethlehem. All those in SA interested in developing this sadly declining aspect of canoeing are encouraged to come along, race and also discuss the future of the sport Date : Saturday and Sunday 24, 25 July 2010
Registration : On the bank from 08h00 on Saturday
Start time : We will have some practice time in the morning followed by 2 or 3 runs depending on the number of entries. Final runs will be on Sunday. Entry: Come early so you can help set the course and you get to race for free.
River : Ash
Course: We have the option of two courses and a final decision will be made well in advance
Rules : According to International Canoe Federation rules.
Life jackets and crash helmets are compulsory.
We have 5 Fluid slalom boats available for those without slalom boats.
Accommodation: Pieter +27 (0)74 893 3174
E-mail:
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Race enquiries : Ant Wewege 083 630 2940 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EC KIA MOTORS SA Surfski Champs / Peter Marlin Memorial Race Singles : 13 November 2010 Doubles : 14 November 2010 Distance : 24/28 Km Downwind Venue : EAST LONDON, Nahoon Beach Prize Money: R10,000 for 1st Singles place Prize money down to 10th position + prize money for various other categories. A total of R55,000 in prize money + Loads of lucky draws + Great goody bags ! The KIA MOTORS SA Single Surfski Champs on 13 November will count towards The Cape and PE Discovery Sunglass Hut Series points. This event is open to the Elite paddlers AND intermediate paddlers. The event will be screened on Supersport / More details and entry forms to follow soon. The anchor sponsor is KIA MOTORS SA with DISCHEM being a secondary sponsor Enquiries : Charl van Wyk (083 447 1500) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ East London Downwind Series \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Registration will take place on WEDNESDAY 7 JULY after the time trials at BCC - with some cold HANSA from SAB There will be a chill zone after each race - Snacks, free beer, and massages. Worthwhile prizes and lucky draws at the end of the series à to the value of R30,000 !! IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY COMPLETED AN ENTRY FORM, PLEASE DO SO (SEE ATTACHED) THE FIRST 90 ENTRIES WILL RECEIVE A FANTASTIC Downwind Series LONG SLEEVE FLEECE TOP !!!! SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTS FOR DETAILS, DATES AND COURSES. Enquiries: Martin Glaum 082 572 2013 or Mike Smit 083 655 2090 ------------------------------------------------------------ PE-EL News
Race Director Anton Erasmus has recently announced the final dates for this years Southern Shamaal (Port Elizabeth to East London) surfski race. They are 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th December 2010. So its only a quick 2 days leave for locals. The format will be the traditional one which we have come to know with the race being turned in extreme conditions. Qualifying times and distances will be strictly enforced and Anton has had chats with Peter Cole & Billy Harket to assist in this regard. Safety is always a concern on these epic longer distance races so we need to make sure everyone that starts the race is fit enough to cope with any sudden Big Easterlies that blow in. Finish will be at Orient Beach, closer to the time Anton will be looking for volunteers to assist with the logistics of the race. Why not use Breede and Fish as your training base, and then it's just a chip and a put. You can do it !! See you on the water. Regards Gavin McNish
ECCU Treasurer Tel 041 - 373 8010, Cell 082 3202 611 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GA
KNCU WINTER 200m SPRINT SERIES The long awaited winter sprint series draws closer with the first event at Camps Drift on Sat 24th July. This will make it the first KNCU event after the Scottburgh Brighton Ski Classic on 17th July which marks the end or the Winter Ski series, and the day before the Alexander Caruth No 1 which marks the start of the KNCU River season for 2010-2011. The whole KNCU Winter Sprint Series will consist of three events this year, the other two are set for Sat 31st July at Shongweni Dam and then back to Camps Drift on Sat 21st July for the final event which will be preceded by the ever popular NCC Boat Auction. All racing as you can see below is over 200m only in K1 for individuals and K4 for club teams. The 2010 Series is an new experimental venture for KNCU designed to both widen awareness and participation in Sprint Racing in KZN and widen the base of knowledge and expertise for setting up and managing Sprint Events in KZN. In this first year Natal , Fezela and Ngwenya Canoe Clubs have combined to present the regattas in Pmburg and Umzinyathi will be holding the second one at Shongeweni. The new 200m 6 lane course sponsored by Mark Lynn and Cameron MacKenzie is designed to be portable with the intention to expand the number of regattas to more venues in the years ahead. THE PROGRAM An all-day event depending upon entries. 08h00 – 09h00 Entry and Registration 09h00 - 13h00 Heats and Semi-Finals, or, if there are too many entries, just timed heats only. One race every 5 minutes. 13h00 – 14h00 InterClub K4’s 14h00 – 16h00 Finals Followed by the prize-giving and a braai/sheep on a spit. RACING CLASSES – all races are 200m only. K1 Guppy U8 - U10 – U12 Juniors U14 – U16 – U18 Seniors and U21 Sub-Vets and Vets Sub-Masters and Masters Sub-Grand Masters and Grand Masters (Male and Female in each case) Inter-Club K4 Club teams consisting of 1 male and 1 female boat in each of the following three age-groups U18, Senior and Master Classes. ----------ooooo----------- WHAT JUST HAPPENED Slalom in Augsberg Just got results from Master and Cyp. They guys played out their boots in the 1st run. Their raw time was 18 seconds off the pace which is a 40% improvement from the races in Prague and Spain. Unfortunately they touched too many gates and got a 50. I’m struggling to get comms to find out exactly what went wrong but it was a good way to end the season. The 2nd run was not good. They ended up 33rd out of 39 boats.
Remember these guys have hardly had any coaching whatsoever since the Olympics nearly 2 years ago, so have had to pretty much do it by themselves which makes it that much more remarkable. I’m not sure if they will be racing at the Worlds in September in Slovenia.
Don Wewenge and Success Mahlaba are overseas and will be taking part at Junior World Champs in France next weekend. You can see more about that event at http://www.foixcanoe2010.com/en/
The third 2010 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup will round up this year's competitions. A tough
course, the stretch of water is swift and merciless and even the best of paddlers have to push beyond
their limits. At the outset, the first gate at Augsburg is an upstream gate off the first drop, it’s
perfectly positioned along the right-hand wall and is ideal at fouling the unprepared and unlucky. In
order to navigate this, the athlete must first achieve the right combination of speed and angle. The
margin for error is small and the fact that the water moves inconsistently and irregularly makes for
exciting races.
In last year's World Cup in Augsburg, Tony Estanguet (FRA) secured the gold medal after a fast and
near perfect run. Behind him were two Germans, Sideris Tasiadis and Jan Benzien collecting the
silver and the bronze. Estanguet is no stranger to Augsburg, despite this and his gold medal, he said,
“…it is a difficult river to adapt to and learn from. Every time it’s the same story and the same
mistakes.” Speaking a year later, Tony Estanguet will also be there this weekend, “I have competed
in Augsburg many times. I'm not really at ease in this place. It is hard to be consistent and regular
because the water is constantly changing. After participating many times, I finally won once in the
2009 World Cup. Impossible is nothing!”
In last year's Men's C2, the gold went to Marcus Becker and Stefan Henze (GER). Their
performance so far in 2010, added to the fact that this is their home course, prove they are real
contenders for gold this weekend. The Hochschorners took silver here last year and, while they took
silver in Prague three weeks ago, their performance last weekend in La Seu is a sign that they are
not the default winners. To highlight the difficulty of the course French pair Fabien Lefevre and
Denis Gargaud Chanut took a plunge after colliding with an obstacle at last year's event. “It’s the
first time in 20 years I have capsized in a final,” Lefevre said, “it just shows you it can happen to
anyone.”
In the Men's K1 last year, Peter Kauzer (SLO) won the gold after a fantastic final run. Local legend,
Alexander Grimm (GER) took silver medal, while Daniel Molmenti (ITA) placed third. Molmenti's
2010 season has been superb so far, could this be a three out of three for him this weekend? Also
looking good is Michael Kurt from Switzerland; he has two medals so far but will there be space for
him on the podium this weekend as his German competitor, Alexander Grimm races on home turf?
In last year's Women’s K1, Jana Dukatova (SVK) performed a superb and incredibly fast run and
was presented with last year's World Cup Gold. Stepanka Hilgertova (CZE) took the silver while
Jennifer Bongardt (GER) was awarded the bronze. After her winning race Dukatova said “The
course in Augsburg is unique; there really is nothing else like it in the world. The Germans
obviously have the home advantage, but this just makes the visiting nations all the more
determined. The course is difficult to adapt to, the upstream manoeuvres are incredibly narrow and
unforgiving.” Looking forward to this year's Augsburg World Cup, she said recently, “For me,
Augsburg Eiskanal is always the course with best racing atmosphere. I like to race there. In
addition, Augsburg was where I raced my first World Cup in 2002.”
The Women's C1 has also proved to be a great competition this year, the fight between Australia and
China is set to continue while Jana Dukatova's great performance last weekend in La Seu also puts
her up there as a contender in the canoe just as much as in the kayak.
Keep watching www.canoeicf.com <http://www.canoeicf.com> for daily news and live results.
The official event website is www.kanu-schwaben-augsburg.de <http://www.kanu-schwaben-augsburg.de> .
Media Contact:
Joanna Greenfield
Media and Public Relations Manager
+41 21 612 0292
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GA Andre’s Farm to Caravan Park The 22km race on the Klip river on Sunday 4 July from Andre’s farm to the Danie Maclean Park in Meyerton (commonly known as the caravan park to canoeists!) ran smoothly and enjoyably in the weak winter sun with cloud cover from recent days keeping the temperatures moderate. Being concerned regarding the crossing of the Henley Weir side stream as well as a tight tree sneak immediately after it, Grant White of Victoria Lake Canoe Club spent some time on the river the day before checking on conditions which change as the water levels drop. Having cleared some branches which caused problems on the first drop of the Little Klip Rapid, (THANKS Grant, we personally avoided a third hat trick swim there thanks to that!) Grant found he was unable to make a difference to the tree sneak after the weir, on his own, where a submerged fishing boat snagged in the undergrowth just below the surface of the water causes congestion and possible difficulties for canoeists in the race as the boats get stuck. He resourcefully managed to obtain permission from a local horsefarm landowner to enable a 1 km portage around both obstacles so solving those problems and adding to the enjoyment of the paddlers who could admire the magnificent animals prancing up and down the fence and get some good portaging training done. It also offered an opportunity to make the race slightly different from the same old same old and makes it unique – so well done Grant! Although no doubt there were some complaints from the paddlers who dislike portaging and prefer to forget that it does build fitness and is a necessary training requirement for all paddlers!! There were the usual swims at Mine Rapid which changes frequently and some complained that the left channel was very bumpy and rocky and occasional boats got stuck or washed up into rocks and we can only remind paddlers that the righthand channel was the preferred advice of the race organizers at the pre race briefing! However the drop on the right side appears more intimidating that it perhaps is, needless to say as the water levels continue to drop there will be little choice but to start becoming familiar with it! The Saloojees bridge appears to have been the site of the one and only boat break and withdrawal, and this was an obstacle previously identified as requiring caution. Although there are tree sneaks on both tight right and far left on this bridge with massive tree trunks backed up against the middle, the tight right channel is very tight to line up with and requires confident paddling skills to avoid being washed onto the trees while the far left is much easier to reach however a number of paddlers approaching the bridge were unable to see that there was a sneak on the far left because of the angle they approach it from so hard luck to boat breakers there – such a pity but we are grateful nobody was hurt as any tree blocked obstacle is potentially dangerous. For the rest the race was plain sailing with good marshalling and excellent sweeping including the development youth team from VLC who proudly wore their colours at the back of the field picking up stragglers. With excellent pre race river preparation and marshalling as well as the delicious food provided by the local scout connection, the race was great fun with 83 boats finished, including 49 K2’s and 34 K1’s. The winning K2 combination was Alex Roberts with David Gerber (Dabs/ERK) in 1:26, followed by Greg Smith and Michael Mbanjwa (VIC/SOW) in 1:29 with FLCC paddlers Dekker Erasmus and Shaun Maphanga in third place in 1:31. Interesting big gaps between the top three boats.
Ryno Armdorff was the first K1 Finisher in 1:35 with Gavin Steyl and Ian Walker (JCC) being the first SUBMASTER finishers in 1:35:31 in 7th place and Emile Theunissen with Jandre Bezuidenhbout (FLCC) winning the first Juniors position in 7th place 1:35:36. Bruce Clark finished next as first Master in 1:36 in a K1 with the winning masters in the K2 race being Gavin Myburgh and Adolf Joubert (FLO/CEN) in 1:37.
With only 3 junior boats competing on the race Archie Moncho and Dugan Afonso (FLCC/DABS) (U14 and U16) finished well in 12th place in 1:39 and Rikus Scheepers (WAT U 18 K1) in 19th place in 1:42 – in training for his first Berg race! Douglas and Tracey Jewson having recovered from the arrival of their first baby in February and throwing themselves back into the river canoeing fray successfully achieved first Mixed Double position from the ten MD boats that competed – a sign that Spring is on the way as the ladies are back out from indoors and onto the rivers! Finishing in 1:41. The winning sub vet K2 finished next with Mark Williams and Kevin Hutcheon (Low/Vic) as the thirteenth K2 in 1:41:45, and the first Veteran K2 was Stefan Blunden and Frnaz Lottering (ERK) in 1:46. An international paddler from the USA – although South African origin – also in training for Berg finished as the first Vet K1 – in 1:44 Sean Lupton-Smith. The only ladies team competing – Sarah Saunders and Kirsty Fox (SOW/ERK) finished as 22nd K2 and 31st overall in 1:46 and the only Sub Grand Master team finishing were John Rowan and Rodney Carpenter (ERK) in 1:57. While there were batching and timing hiccups which required adjustment as new less experienced timekeepers practice new skills much appreciated by all, the race can be considered a resounding success - Thanks to Victoria Lake for putting in the effort and manpower to ensure a successful and fun enjoyable race. Jennie Dallas For: GCU Media 082 857 857 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WP Lady Loch top Hermon The W.C.C.U canoe race held on Saturday 3rd July, 2010, the 28 km section of the Berg River between the Lady Loch Bridge (Wellington) and Hermon farm - also the W.C.C.U. K1 Long Distance Championships - was also the last if the one-day races before 'The Big One' - i.e. the 2010 Windhoek Berg River K1 Canoe Marathon. Paddlers who are 'doing the Berg' now have the opportunity to work on their local river knowledge by 'tripping' the various sections of the 4 day ultra-marathon to get a better idea of what they are to encounter and already there are concerns about the mass of water hyacinth in the lower stages (Zoutkloof area) of the race that need to be contended with. However, this report is about the race of 3rd July, and the results cemented the young Matie paddler, Pierre-Andre' Rabie (in a field of over 80 paddlers) as not only a serious contender for the Windhoek Berg, but also places him well into the top echelons of local canoeing, when he won his 3rd K1 race of the season and was crowned the W.C.C.U. K1 Long Distance river champion for 2010. Winning very well against a quality field - the likes of Lance King (Milnerton), Heinrich Schloms (Paarl), Graeme Solomon (Peninsula), Ernest van Riet (Maties), Alasdair Glass (Pen) and Edgar Boehm (jnr) (Pen), was never going to be easy - before the race that is - yet the young Matie virtually obliterated this quality field to win by almost 2 minutes - to the un-initiated this meant that when he crossed the finish line, not one of his challengers were in sight! In his own words, he ...'enjoyed and had a very good race'... when after the early bunch of himself, club mate, Matie paddler, Louw van Riet, Graeme Solomon, Lance King and Heindrich Schloms were the first paddlers to reach the first real 'obstacle' of the race - Klei Rapid - which in the low water level, meant that paddlers had to make choices and it was about here that Solomon got into problems with his rudder cables (which eventually forced him to withdraw at Grensplaas), allowing the others to get away. Shaking off van Riet before reaching Grensplaas, Rabie, King and Schloms formed the chevron going past the halfway point, but shortly thereafter, with Rabie taking a right channel, and the others a left channel, Rabie got a lead on them and for the remainder of the race consolidated this by pulling away to win 'out of sight'. This was a serious achievement for Rabie as both King and Schloms are outstanding paddlers who have been focussing on the Berg river season by spending much time paddling the sections in training. But so too has Rabie and his time spent on those hard training sessions on the Vriedenheim Dam outside Stellenbosch, the Berg and the Breede Rivers, paid off handsomely on Saturday. In the Women's category, Peninsula's Jemma Hofmeyer, as predicted, won, but she was very closely followed home by a rising star - though still a junior - in Milnerton's Marisa Pretorius. Pretorius is one of the several Milnerton juniors who are making waves on the paddling front now, the outcome of a concerted drive by that club a few years ago aimed at youngsters, which like the similar input by the Paarl Canoe Club, is reaping its just rewards. The third senior woman paddler home was Matie Kirsten Penderis - another new-comer to the scene (she was a novice in 2009) and is the daughter of former Springbok paddler, Anthony Penderis (who has made a welcome return to the sport after several years working away from South Africa). In the Junior divisions, Joseph Williams (Paarl) reversed the outcome of last weeks race, beating home clubmates, Luke Stowman and Michael Farringer (Stowman and Farringer are still U16 paddlers), to underline his recent selection as a Junior National canoe marathon paddler in the S.A. 2010 team that will take part in the World Championships in Spain in September. Despite the very good results shown on Saturday, especially by the top paddlers and the juniors, the W.C.C.U.perhaps needs to take cognizance of the fact that where this province was unbelievably strong in the Senior Women's category for so many years, this has fallen away dramatically when established stars such as Jean Wilson, Nikki Mocke and Alexa Cole have taken time off for maternity duty, Abbey Miedema has re-located to Canada and Lindi-May Harmse has been focussing on sprinting following her call-up for national canoeing sprints duty overseas. Fortunately, the likes of Bianca Beavitt, Melanie van Niekerk and Marisa Pretorius (all Milnerton) are now blossoming into mature paddlers who will hopefully fill those 'big' shoes, which they have every chance of doing based on their current results. Another area of concern is that when looking at entries and results, even a brief glance shows that the biggest class of paddlers seems to fall in the Masters and Sub Grandmasters categories - i.e. those paddlers between 50 and 59 years of age. Where are the young bucks these days? Graeme Solomon, now a Sub Veteran (i.e. 35 - 39 years) is continuously a podium finisher in most local races and has recently been awarded his Senior National Colours (for the umpteenth time) to compete in the World's in Spain in September. Granted, Solly is an exceptional canoeist, but he didn't get to the top on talent alone - it has taken masses of hard work in training and dedication to the cause to get himself to the top and then to stay there. This is not a criticism of the W.C.C.U. at all - after all, they can't force anyone to take up canoeing or to stay in it, but the lack of senior paddlers, i.e. those between the ages of 23 and 34, must be a worry and as it takes much time to get the required skills to compete at the top level, this is not a challenge that is going to be sorted out soon. Results; Senior (Open) Men 1. Pierre-Andre' Rabie, Maties - 1 hour 57 minutes 13 seconds. 2. Heindrich Schloms, Paarl - 1:59:04 3. Lance King, Milnerton - 2:00:17 Senior (Open) Women 1. Jemma Hofmeyer, Peninsula - 2:25:32 (35th overall) 2. Marisa Pretorius, Mil - 2:27:03 (37th) 3. Kirsten Penderis, Maties - 2:27:55 (42nd) Juniors - U18 1. Joseph Williams, Paarl - 2:10:49 (9th) 2. Luke Stowman, Paarl - 2:11:26 (11th) - also 1st U16 paddler. 3. Michael Farringer, Paarl - 2:13:57 (14th) = also 2nd U16 paddler. U21 1. Pierre-Andre Rabie, Maties - 1:57:13 (1st) 2. Sean Rice, Pen - 2:19:39 (19th) Sub Veterans 1. Greg van Heerden, Mil - 2:07:49 (7th) 2. Daan du Toit, Mil - 2:14:06 (15th) 3. Tallon Denovan, CTY - 2:23:12 (28th) Veterans 1. Marius de Waal, OUT - 2:13:46 (13th) 2. Jamii Hamlin, EVP - 2:29:36 (45th) 3. Robyn Henderson, Mil - 2:31:18 (47th) Sub Masters 1. Rob Hart, Pen - 2:08:40 (8th) 2. Etienne Buys, Paarl - 2:27:33 ( 39th) 3. Lis Hart, Pen - 2:39:38 (61st) Masters 1. Ian Glass, Pen - 2:19:16 (18th) 2. Daantjie Malan, Maties - 2:27:33 (20th) 3. Petrus Crous, OUT - 2:29:30 (44th) Sub Grandmasters 1. Shaun Butler, Pen - 2:21:06 (24th) 2. Andre' Rabie, Paarl - 2:22:07 (25th) 3. Adie de Kock, Maties, 2:25:07 (33rd) Grandmasters 1. Giel van Deventer, Paarl - 2:23:05 (27th) 2. Lionel Eckermans, Mil - 2:23:22 (29th) 3. Mike English, Pen - 2:25:45 (30th) Great Grandmasters 1. Willem van Riet (snr), Pen - 2:38:59 (60th) 2. Edgar Boehm (snr) 2:58:53 (76th) Super Grandmasters 1. Jannie Malherbe, OUT - 2:32:13 (50th) 2. Charles Melck, Mil - 2:56 06 (74th) Rob MacLean Media Liaison - W.C.C.U. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KZ Race Report - Kwazulu Awnings D/Wind to Toti.
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Question: "Did David Aikins Get Tubed on this wave?
Making a call on the race course this last Sunday was tough. The swell was east and the wind was lite SW IE Apposing wind and Swell. I ultimately made the call based on the safety available at Ansteys Beach as the powerful East Swell which has been pounding KZN for the last 2 weeks has been relentless and paddling out at Umkomaas is no fun and with the Lite SW wind paddlers would have had to drive into the E Swell with little assistance. Arriving at Ansteys it did not take a guru to know there was going to be sport getting out. Flip, the Surf line was SOLID. I spoke with the Local Lifeguards who pointed out the Line. After watching for a while it became evident that we could race. The first team to approach the shore break got ABSOLUTELY Hammered. OH MY GOODNESS. There was a vicious current running along the shore break and all the ski's got pushed on top of each other. Mahem RULED and the guys were only 1 meter from the beach! Those who got past the Shorey got a huge gap and paddled straight out.. This is what I watched from the bank as the next 3 batches threw the dice. It really was a game of Anstey's Roulette. 3 People who deserve mention are Maya Opperman, Jenna Ward and Anna Arwidi. These 3 ladies showed soo Much Class, bravery and determination and All completed the course in Good Time. Star paddler Matt Bouman claimed his Sixth win in the Series to claim 100% score and the 2010 Series Title.
As the elite batches hit the water Bouman, who returned after dislocating his shoulder two weeks ago, and U23 World Marathon Champs Grant van der Walt took the lead and lead the batch South towards Toti.
"After a while Matt (Bouman) gained about 100m on me, so I shifted gear and did my best to close the gap," said van der Walt. "I managed to close the gap to about 15m at Toti."
"I completely messed up at one point and Grant (van der Walt) started wheeling me in with his little fishing rod," said Bouman.
The pair were neck-in-neck at the "put-in" at the Toti lagoon and both powered to the finish with Bouman a mere 25 seconds ahead of Van der Walt who came in second. "I got lucky in the end," said Bouman.
"It was a fun paddle," said van der Walt. "And great training ahead of Scottburgh to Brighton!"
Powering in behind the duo was Murray Smith and Oliver Burn who came in third and fourth respectively. Oliver showed Unbelievable Surf Skills coming in at Toti. On 4 occasions from backline to the beach Burn was broached by the Powerful Swell and surfed sideways before righting himself with a combination of Timing, Legs out and use of his paddle. It was remarkable that he did not Swim. The ladies race was dominated by series leader Michelle Eder who was racing in her home turf of Toti. "More like an upwind to Toti," she laughed. "The spectators must have had a field day."
"It was insane, at the beginning we were all getting smoked like beginners," she added.
Despite the gruelling conditions Eder managed to maintain her title as series leader by taking home her sixth win. "The wind just continued to pick up the whole way, and when I came in at Toti I swam three times," she grinned.
The doubles races was claimed, yet again, by Ant Stott and Barry Lewin showing good form as they claimed their fifth win in the current series. "Today was hard," said Lewin. "What most paddlers didn't realise was there was a strong South to North current flowing and watching my GPS was frightening knowing we can paddle a lot faster without the current."
Lewin commended the courage of the less experienced paddlers in lower batches as he witnessed them tackling the conditions. The current doubles leaders have surely made their mark in the current series and set their goal to take on the Hansa 5 Beaches and Discovery Scottburgh to Brighton in the next two weeks.
"He (Stott) has so much power and makes my job in paddling a double so much easier," said Lewin.
The Mixed Doubles race saw classy Umhlanga ROX pair of Nathalie Veckranges and Warren Beuster claim another win ahead of TOTI Rivals, Kerry Seagal and partick Maloney. Veckraneges drove the Ski to perfection in and out through the Surf Zone. Maloney did not have as much luck. Maloney/Seagal got their PIPES CLEANED, .....PROPERLY. Derek and Lynn Hauptfleisch got 3rd Mixed after a clean race with Derek negotiating the surf like a veteran champion. Vets Doubles was won comfortably by Sean Wisedale/Rowen Matthews with the race for 2nd being a TIGHT one between Emilio Chiccaro/Bruce Pender-Smith and Series leaders Gary ALders and Paul Cormack. Chiccaro/Pender have had the measure of Alders/Cormack for the last 2 races and the Thorn is currently being pushed deeper week by week.
More information and results can be found at www.surfski.co.za ----------ooooo--------- GENERAL NEWS C-Kayak Mauritius
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.
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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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------ooooo----------- SMALLS 'Popes mirage for sale in the Durban area. Asking R2200. Good condition with pumps. Pls contact Paula on 0824664416.' --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For sale a Fenn Millenium double ski , carbon over lay R5000-00 Custom Kayaks Mark 2 double R2500-00 Call Rory 0836563817 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We purchased the kayak 2 years ago while living in Gordons Bay and it has only been used a few times. Having now moved back to JHB it is not being used at all. Details: Gemini 2 person sit-on-top kayak with 2 paddles. Green/yellow in colour. Max load: 280kg Can give more details if you need. We paid R7000 for kayak with paddles and are looking for R4000 for it now. Thanks Ian Fitz 0824612745 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi I’m selling a River Vadja – medium. White deck, with pumps. Only been paddled on flat water. R6000.00 Located in Cape Town. Sam Braid 082 899 2220 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm in the market for a second hand K2. Looking for something stable, preferably an Accord or Yetti, in good condition. Joburg/Pta area. Please drop me a mail or call me on 083 445 0263 if you have something available. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I have a yellow swallow plastic white water kayak, spraydeck and cover for sale in Knysna. They were popular My tel number is 073 290 2082 (a new number) or 044 343 2093. Call me if you keen. Priced to go onco. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm selling a brand new Hi-Fan K2 with pumps, only been used on the lake. R 4000.00 not negotiable. Regards Dekker 0832729896 GA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am looking to buy a watch (Polar, Garmin etc) that has a heart rate monitor, with the added bonus of speed and distance as well. I am asking if there are any paddlers out there who may want to sell me their old one, as opposed to me donating my kidney for a new one. Please let me know. Thanks Richard Wilson Cell: 083 268 2166 KZ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Double ski for sale 'Mark 2' ,good condition raced 3 times.+- 3years old.R4000.Contact Gavin 0824946099 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- K2 Noka (Slimline) - R2000 K1 Herakles - R2000 Kind regards Emile Cell: 084 502 6745 GA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
