Download full results HERE

 Saturday 21^st July saw the third annual running of the Spier Eerste River race hosted by Maties Canoe Club.

Thanks to the department of water affairs, a consistently full 14 km river from start to finish and the involvement of Spier wine estate saw the most successful race yet.

Forty-five lined up at the Hangbrug for the time trial format start (a disappointing number given the nearly double that number that competed last year, but maybe this can be put down to a very full season – after all, the Berg River Canoe Marathon only ended last weekend! Those who missed this race on Saturday though were the losers, such was the excitement of taking part in it) above the small fish chute weir.

The action was relentless, through Stellenbosch (with it’s many spectator vantage points adding to thrill of it all) to the R44 was one solid, non-stop wave train. The (very) fast flowing narrow channels lead the way to the first of 3 weir; a small sliding weir with a drop into a pool whilst 400m further down river, paddlers arrived at the Distell sliding weir. The river then became a series of fast flowing riffles with some technical rapids in between. The large boulders which litter the river in places make for a technical experience in the big water they throw up.

 The 2 largest obstacles of the day both loomed within 300m of one another. The Vredenhiem Weir has changed considerably from last years flooding and saw every paddler gasp at the sudden unexpected height of the drop. A short paddle after that and ‘Stay Main Rapid’ presents itself always sooner than expected. For those of who haven’t experienced it, the water rushes over a granite rock slide forming a large cushion wave off the rocks at the bottom. As one slides over and down,  a ‘T-Bone’ into the cliff face at the base seems inevitable, but the cushion wave steers canoes comfortably clear. After that it’s a roller coaster ride to the bottom and then the last few drops (which should never be underestimated) before the rapid is cleared. Notwithstanding this description that makes it sounds easy, the pool below ‘Stay Main Rapid’ resembled some sort of swimming gala!. After ‘Stay Main Rapid’ it is a short pull with some fun water to the finish at Spier.

 Matie paddlers took full advantage of their home turf, occupying every one of the top 5 positions. Pierre-Andre Rabie started first, enjoyed a flawless run and ensured he wrapped up the title, despite the best efforts of Richard Fly, ( 2^nd) 17 seconds adrift with A.J. Bam (3^rd) 44 seconds behind off the pace. Lance Kime who was just over a minute back in 4^th and Ernest van Riet came home in 5^th. Tameka Haw won the ladies race in 21^st position over all and Ivan Kruger (Milnerton) was the first junior home.

 Paddlers at the finish exchanged war-stories and raved about the water. Dawid and Nikki Mocke completed the race in sit-on-top surf-ski’s whilst some boats came limping home a little worse for wear after tangling with various obstacles on the 14 km section down from the Hangbrug.  

 Although this race is still in its infancy, the potential is enormous. Spier Wine estate provided amazing drinks and snacks which were almost too fancy for paddlers. The river level was such that 2 tree blocks that had caused concern before the race could be negotiated in the canoes and paddlers only had one compulsory portage at the Distel Weir. This all because, with the late rains last week and the Department of Water Affairs, who make this race possible, ensured a perfect water level by releasing some 6 cumecs from the Jonkershoek Dam, leading to the paddlers who arrived to compete having one of the most memorable races of the season.

 2011 looks to see the race moved to later in the year with the start being changed to higher up the river and nearer to the dam wall, so the suggestion for next season is that when you see this race on the calendar, mark it off and make a point of getting there. You will be more than pleasantly surprised.

Results – Spier Eerste River K1 canoe race.

Senior Men

1. Pierre Andre’ Rabie, Maties – 44 minutes 57 seconds

2. Richard Fly – Maties – 45:14

3. Adrian Bam, Maties – 45:41

4. Lance Kime, Maties – 46:19

5. Ernest van Riet – Maties – 47:10

6. Tom Thring, Peninsula – 50:59

7. Michael Watson, UCT – 51:14

8. Rory Sandberg, Maties – 51:39

9. Heindrich Schloms, Paarl – 52:04

Senior Women

1. Tamika Haw, Maties – 1:03:36

2.Nikki Mocke, CSK – 1:07:56

3. Robyn Henderson, Milnerton – 1:10:13

Juniors.

1. Ivan Kruger, Milnerton – 53:54

2. Tamike Haw, Maties – 1:03:36

3. Marisa Pretorius, Milnerton – 1:14:12

U21

1. Pierre-Andre’ Rabie, Maties – 44:57

2. Lance Kime, Maties – 47:10

3. Michael Hay, Maties – 53:19

Sub Veterans

1. Roelf van der Merwe, WHR – 55:52

2. Justin Swart, Paarl – 59:44

Veterans

1. Tom Thring, Peninsula – 50:59

2. Andre’ van Heerden, Milnerton – 58:08

3. Herbert Conradie, Paarl – 59:09

Sub Masters

1. Paul Moxley, Peninsula – 52:55

2. Mias van der Westhuyzen, Paarl – 1:20:11

3. Gerrit Jordaan, Maties – 1:28:32

Masters

1. Daantjie Malan, Maties – 53:31

2. Chris Logan, Milnerton – 58:32

3. Willem van der Westhuyzen, WSK – 59:38

Sub Grand Masters

1. Naas Fischer, WHR – 1:01:35

2. Anthony Penderis, Maties – 1:09:50

Grandmasters