THE WEEKEND AHEAD Ski News from Rob Mosley We just posted two great shows from the South African "Surfski TV" show, produced by Billy Harker, race organiser extraordinary! - Fenn Cape Point Challenge 2009. Over 250 paddlers, the biggest field ever for the race, lined up for the 2009 event. Dawid Mocke won the race, followed some 4 mins later by Sean Rice... - Dunlop Surfski World Cup in Durban, South Africa. The closest finish ever in an international surfski race saw Dawid Mocke pipping Matt Bouman to the line by mere inches after a classic downwin tussle. Check them out on www.surfski.info ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WP Whilst canoeing in the Western Cape is recovering from the Windhoek Berg Canoe Marathon, the show must go on and this weekend there is not only one but two canoe events in the calendar as well as a surf ski one, although this is not a competitive event. EERSTE RIVIER RACE 1) On Saturday 24th July and starting at the Stellenbosch Hangbrug near the Lanzerac Hotel in Stellenbosch, the Maties Canoe Club will be hosting their annual Eerste River canoe race down the river as far as Spier Estate (who will also be sponsoring the event). This 14 km event is possible thanks to water release from the Jonkershoek dam and given the narrowness of the river as well as its fast flow, it will be held on a time-lapse scenario, with canoes taking off from the start (in a seeded manner) every several seconds or so. As the Eerste River initially flows through Stellenbosch, it means that there are many excellent viewing spots for spectators to observe the paddlers ‘doing their thing’ and is a totally different situation to that which many paddlers would have experienced last week on the Windhoek Berg, when long hours of essentially flat water racing was in order. Because of the many viewing spots for this race, photographing of the paddlers is encouraged as there are sure to be many opportunities for taking excellent photos. On the Eerste River, paddlers will have to be wide-awake to the fast flow, the numerous overhanging tree branches, the roller-coaster rapids that the flow sets up, the weirs that in some cases can be portaged, in others, shot (it is important to be at the race briefing for this information) and some exciting rapids, in particular the ‘Stay Main Rapid’ (which features in the advert for the event. If you would like me to send the advert to you, please let me know – as it is carrying a large amount of memory, it’s probably not a good idea to send it to the entire media egroup) which is an exciting and exhilarating – and challenging – rapid to shoot. Certainly, the water below the rapid during last years Eerste River race looked liked a swimming gala was taking place! With Spier as the sponsor and hospitality of the Wynlands well known, this promises to be another one of those races ‘not to miss’. A warning though – paddle it in an old canoe. Based on the experience of many paddlers last year, those who started with new canoes ended with ones that looked decidedly ‘old’, but don’t let this put you off – it is a good race for any paddler to have in their CV. Start: 10h00. Start place – Hangbrug, Stellenbosch. Ends – Spier Estate. Distance – approx. 14 km. Organizing Club – Maties Canoe Club. MARINA K2 MINI MARATHON 2) On Sunday 26th July, the Marina K2 Mini Marathon heralds the start of the K2 (doubles) canoe season, which culminates in the Breede K2 Marathon in the Breede Valley, one of the iconic canoe races of the annual South African canoeing calendar. This is an ideal race for new canoeing partnerships (and old ones too!) to check out to see if they still can paddle in time, fit into their canoes (!), get their balance right and being on Zandvlei and through the Marina da Gama canals, is also excellent for those paddlers who are new or relatively new to the sport. With no rapids, weirs, overhanging trees or any other sort of obstacle one encounters on flowing river, the entire focus can be on how you and your partner paddle together. The race is also open to K1 (single) canoes as well as single and double surf skis and before, during and after the event, the PCC clubhouse will be open to dispense delicious ‘canoeing’ grub and drinks from a cash bar – what better way to spend a Sunday brunch than at Peninsula Canoe Club after a brisk paddle?. Start: 10h00 Start and finish – Peninsula Canoe Club, Zandvlei, Lakeside. Distance: 22 km Organizing club – Peninsula Canoe Club. Keith ‘Sporty’ Anderson Memorial surf ski paddle 3) There is another paddling event this week, although it is not a race. This is the annual Keith ‘Sporty’ Anderson Memorial surf ski paddle, in memory of one of South Africa’s most talented sportsmen (triathlon, swimming, water polo and paddling), that will take place at 10h00 and starting and finishing at the Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club. The actual course takes in the lighthouse off Simonstown, plus Simonstown itself – through the moored craft in the yacht basin etc – but will be set up based on what the weather is doing. There is a small entry fee (that goes to the Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club, to which ‘Sporty’ was a member) and after the event there will be the opportunity to watch the ‘rugga’ in the clubhouse and indulge in the legendary fare that the Fish Hoek SLS Club always has on offer (plus cash bar). Rob MacLean Media LiasioN – W.C.C.U. M - 082 496 8957 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KZ There are two events on the calendar this weekend to mark the start of the 2010-2011 canoeing season in KZN. On Saturday morning at Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg there is the first of three KNCU Winter Series 200m Sprint regattas. Designed to expand participation in sprint kayaking and in particularly over the new Olympic distance of 200m, the regattas will be run in K1’s in four age-groups. Guppy, U18, Senior and Over 40 – in men and women in each case. The races will begin at 09h00 with timed heats over the new six lane portable course in front of Natal Canoe Club at Camps Drift. From the heats the field in each age-group will then be divided into ranked, six boat finals. Prizes are available in A, B and C finals thus spreading the loot well down the rankings. There are also races for Club or Barbarian K4 crews as a lead up to the SA K4 Championships at Shongweni Dam in four weeks time. Hosts, Natal Canoe Club will have full catering and a jumping castle for the smaller children making for a great family day at the river. The portability of the new course will be tested next week when the second event in the series will be held at Umzinyathi Canoe Club at Shongweni. Local canoeists and business men, Mark Lynn, Cameron MacKenzie and Josef Martin, have sponsored the construction of the course and the events in the first year. With the increasing emphasis on 200m racing it is hoped that the series will help to popularize this very competitive and spectator friendly form of canoeing. On Sunday morning at 10h00 Umzinyathi Canoe Club will be hosts for the first river race of the new season. The Alexander Caruth No 1 race will be held on the ever popular Upper Umgeni section from Albert Falls Weir to the old Baynes Drift Bridge. The 16km C Class course with the river flowing at a steady 6cumecs is especially suitable for the many novices, recently river qualified, and looking to accumulate the six minor races required in preparation for the Hansa Powerade Fish marathon in October. UMZ have checked the course, which is reported clear of the tree blocks that have plagued this section of the Umgeni over the past couple of seasons. Catering will be available at the finish and prizes will be spread over both K1 and K2 categories. Depending upon numbers, there will be a Guppy race from Gum-trees to the finish at 12noon. KNCU WINTER 200m SPRINT SERIES Please note some changes from last week 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 of 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 course has been installed at Camps Drift and will be fully adjusted by Thursday 22nd for anyone who wants to practice 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 August 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 or barbarian 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. It is important to note that it is intended as good intro event for those who are not regular sprinters, you can’t get left too far behind over 200m no matter who you are racing against and the ranked finals give incentives to all levels of paddlers. If the numbers warrant it, a Grading system will be introduced in 2011 similar to the slalom structure in the UK. THE PROGRAM An all-day event depending upon entries. 08h00 – 09h00 Entry and Registration 09h00 - 13h00 Timed heats in the age-groups shown below to set up ranked finals of 6 boats. A finals. B finals. C finals and so on. Up to one race every 5 minutes if we need to. 13h00 – 14h00 InterClub/Barbarian K4’s 14h00 – 16h00 Ranked age-group Finals Followed by the prize-giving and a braai/sheep on a spit. CASH PRIZE CATEGORIES Sponsored this year by Josef Martin. Not knowing exactly how this will pan out preliminary prize-categories at the first event will be as follows. Guppys – Gifts K1’s. A Finals 1st R300, 2nd R200, 3. R100 B Finals 1st R200. 2nd R100, 3. R50 C Finals 1st R100, 2nd R75, 3rd R50 Depending upon n umbers of entries, there will be A to C Final Prizes in all three men’s categories, A and B Final prizes in the Girl’s category and A Final prizes in the Senior and +40 Women’s categories. In the K4’s the winning boat in each category gets R400. Not huge prizes but well spread across the field with something at all levels. RACING CLASSES We have changed this a little and will adjust to suit as we go along expanding the classes if numbers warrant it – all races are 200m only. K1 Guppy Juniors Seniors, Sub-Vets and U21 All +40 age groups (Male and Female in each case) Note that if you fancy your chances you can race up a category, i.e. the juniors and +40 can race in the Senior races as well as their own. Inter-Club K4 Club or Barbarian teams consisting of 1 male and 1 female boat in each of the following three age-groups U18, Senior and Master Classes. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ALEXANDER CARUTH NO 1. First C Class race of the season NOTE 10am “Warmer” Start Attention paddlers! Alexander Caruth Upper Umgeni hosted by Umzinyathi CC. We invite all to participate in the season opener race. Race start 10am at Albert Falls Weir. Coffee on sale at start + food at finish at the Baynes Drift Bridge on Truter’s Farm(Old Mill). Prizes all categories. Perfect day out for family. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CD SLALOM ON THE ASH Note the changes 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. All the racing will be on Saturday with training and coaching on Sunday. For those interested but concerned about missing the C Class proficiency qualifier on Sunday, please note that you will get a C Class qualifier by participating in this regatta as well. 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 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 --------------------------------------- GA Big reminder, if you keen to get into a K4 this is your opportunity. · VLC this Sunday, three events, single entry cover all three if you would like to paddle all three. · 60 cool long sleeve T-shirts for the first 60 paddlers that enter both Sunday the 25th and Sunday the 1st · R25 Juniors, R40 rest includes race fee, Bacon and Egg roll, coffee, tea and rusks · Race entries only taken on race day at VLC starting at 7:30 AM · Additional R3000 worth of prize money included in series For Further information contact either: · Wayne Saunders : 082 414 8627 · Tim Baker : 082 494 5400 \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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It is super that VLC has managed to organize a great sponsorship with super prize monies to promote the K4 racing discipline from Bearing Vision! Great stuff!! Now lets get the paddlers there in BULK! K4 racing is really great fun – if you haven’t put a team together yet be sure to do so for Sundays race – 25 July, and by the time you get your team to the next race in the series on Sunday 1 August you should be gelling really nicely together!!! For a single once off entry fee, paddlers can mix and match their teams and take part in a number of races – juniors / mixed with seniors / mixed with ladies or you can race in the serious categories and then in the recreational social group as well! With super prizes and tshirts up as rewards for only R25 (Juniors) R40 adults – entry on the day – the day promises to be full of fun and excitement as well as great training! Jennie Dallas For: GCU 082 857 857 1 ----------ooooo----------- FUTHER AHEAD SA K4 14th and 15th August. All info and entry forms attached ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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) ------------------------------------------------------------ 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 DABS CHALLENGE & DABS FESTIVAL | | | | | The Challenge is Back!!! Sunday 8 August | | | | | | | \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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This year it’s bigger and better! That’s because it’s now part of the biggest day of paddling Gauteng has ever witnessed. Introducing the Dabs Festival Which includes: - Titan Ceilings Dabs Challenge - Sundowner Series - Development Challenge - Novice Challenge - Annual Boat Sale - Paddling Flea Market - Paddling and new Product Demo’s - Guest Speakers and more... | \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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" style='width:3pt;height:29.25pt'>  | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | When: Sunday 8 August Where: Emmarentia Dam Time: Starts with Sundowner Series at 8:00am Main Race 09:00am Class: K1 - K4 | | | | \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KZ TUGELA 21’s 2010 Welcome to the 2010 2 day canoe race over the weekend of 7 & 8 August. This C Grade race is ideal for beginners and getting yourself ready for Fish. The Winterton Country Club is offering free camping and on Saturday night are erecting a marquee and playing music. Chicken Burgers are available on Friday night at the country club and Spare Ribs and Chips Saturday night. Breakfasts will be available at the start of each day. The start of each day is at 9:00.The first day is from below Driel Weir near Bergville to Trevor Woods Farm. Total distance 24 km. The second day starts on Spionkop Dam and ends at the Steel Bridge. Total distance 20 km. Monday is a holiday and so you are welcome to stay over on Sunday night. ----------ooooo----------- WHAT JUST HAPPENED GA KLIP racing While the Berg paddlers limped through the cold conditions, nursing sore stiff muscles, chilblains and blisters, Novice paddlers in Gauteng had great fun in the glorious warm winter sun learning river skills on the Upper stretches of the mighty Klip River on Saturday 17 July! First time river paddlers, paddlers preparing for River Proficiency, as well as those wanting to become more familiar with sections of the Klip, or experiment with moving from K2 paddling to K1, or even just upgrading to less stable boats, were given the opportunity to try their skills and learn new skills maneuvering through tight tree sneaks, negotiating rocky rapids, drops and wave trains, weirs, S bends and sharp turns in strong currents as well as becoming aware of the dangers lurking on rivers such as low level bridges and tree blocks and managed really successfully in the low slow lazy currents of winter Klip levels! FLCC is organizing a few more learning trips over the next few weeks for paddlers who would like to trip in a group to become familiar with the rapids and lines and practice their skills before the next river races scheduled for 15 and 22 August – paddlers wishing to join these groups should contact us for arrangements. Practice makes perfect – making the cut off on races and earning points for Fish are important for novice paddlers hoping to do Fish. TRAINING PRACTICE TIP #1: Pancakes: Practice in your bath tub – legs straight out in front, lean forward to touch your toes…… stretch and hold until your nose touches your knees – excellent practice for getting under those tree logs or low level bridges and will come in handy at Toastrack on Fish!!! (PS if your tummy gets in your way cut down on beer for the next few months!) Jennie Dallas FLCC 082 857 857 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WP McGregor races into the history books at Windhoek Berg Marathon
Velddrif- Hank McGregor powering into the canoeing history record books by winning his seventh title in the Windhoek Berg River Canoe marathon, edging past the record of six wins that he had shared with Robbie Herreveld, while Robyn Kime dominated the ladies race over the four days, finishing over an hour ahead of nearest rival, Donna Winter.
McGregor blasted into the finish at Velddrif victorious, without another boat in sight.
“I am really happy. My dad was here for my first win, and now he was here for my seventh. It’s a really special moment.” said the champion.
Second placed King praised McGregor saying, “Hank deserves it. He is a true professional. No one can match his skill, racing mentality, and experience.” Heinrich Schloms raced a skilled and consistent race over the last four days, to finish in third overall.
After a disastrous first day, when he got stuck in a tree block, first under 21, Pierre-Andre Rabie had something to prove. Rabie will be a face to watch in the future, outsprinting King to finish the 4th and final stage of the 2010 Windhoek Berg River Marathon, in second place, fifth overall.
Another face to watch is that of Marc Holtzhausen, who completed his first Berg in 14th overall, smashing this personal record this year, to finish an impressive fourth in a quality field.
The start of the 56.5km fourth and final stage of the Windhoek Berg River Canoe marathon saw the top paddlers setting off in the third of the batch starts at Zoutkloof at 8:30am. The first competitors put their boats in the just as the sun was beginning to make its appearance on the wintery Cape morning, and if paddlers were lucky, the ice was melting off the seats of their boats.
Racing off the start line, McGregor, Lance King, Heinrich Schloms, Pierre-Andre Rabie and Marc Holtzhausen quickly formed a bunch and raced together until Kersefontein. It looked to spectators as though Lance King was on his way to winning the final Bridge prize of the Berg, when, from around the corner raced a determined McGregor, sprinting ahead in a showing of raw power to snatch it from King . McGregor has only missed one Bridge prize in this year’s race.
At Oordraplek, the final view point for the day, it was a bunch of five that appeared over the horizon. For the past two years when the water levels have been exceptionally high, competitors have been able to paddle through the portage.
However this year, it was a 500m dash through the mud, which saw Hank McGregor pull a 20m lead by the put in. By the time the rest of the bunch had climbed into their boats, McGregor was already 100m ahead and pulling further away.
“I broke away at the portage with 40 minutes to go. I wanted to show everyone that I was here for the win” said a jubilant McGregor.
In the ladies race, Robyn Kime raced in a league of her own for the entire four days of paddling, finishing over an hour ahead of the second placed Donna Winter, with Robyn Henderson a further 15 minutes behind in third,” said the ladies champion.
Kime, who at 20 years of age has a lot of Bergs’ ahead of her finished 19th on today’s final stage of the Berg, and 23rd overall. “I had a great race, with no mistakes other than one swim, and I could have been fitter! ” said the Ladies champion.
“I was very happy to finish in the top 20 today. My goal is to finish in the top twenty overall one day” she added.
Riaan Manser, better known for his paddle around Madagascar and cycle around Africa, completed his first Windhoek Berg Canoe Marathon in just over 23 hours.
“The Berg is a special race where everyone, no matter where they are in the field, goes through the same things over the four days of paddling. I’ll definitely be back.” said a tired but happy Manser.
The only competitor to complete the 2010 Freedom Challenge, Keith Little, finished the paddling leg of this epic journey in a respectable time of 24 hours and 15 minutes.
Mark von Bentheim, the Marketing manager for Windhoek South Africa, felt the event was a success saying; “The Berg is a great fit for our brand. It definitely fits the adventure lifestyle that Windhoek supports and represents.”
Next year see the running of the 50th Annual Berg Canoe Marathon. Be there and be part of the toughest canoe race in South Africa. For more information please visit www.windhoekberg.co.za.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
BERG RIVER CANOE MARATHON DAY 4
(STAGE TIME) OVERALL RACE TIMES
MEN
1. Hank McGregor (4:03.09) 16:04.32
2. Lance King (4:05.31) 16:10.50
3. Heinrich Schloms (4:05.34) 16:13.04
4. Marc Holtzhausen (4:05.40) 16:31.28
5. Pierre- Andre Rabie (4:05.31) 16:34.06
6. Edgar Boehm Jnr (4:17.00) 16:48.34
7. Alasdair Glass (4:17.00) 16:58.44
8. Chris De Waal (4:17.00) 17:00.10
9. Paul Marais (4:17.01) 17:03.38
10. Greg van Heerden (4:20.18) 17:13.12
11. Louw van Riet (4:20.08) 17:16.32
12. Ryno Armodorf (4:20.02) 17:16.38
13. Lance Kime (4:20.17) 17:27.41
14. Roy Clegg (4:21.16) 17:29.10
15. Adrian Bam (4:24.53) 17:32.52
16. Rob Hart (4:24.52) 17:41.24
17. Gregory Smith (4:26.40) 17:41.43
18. Joe Kearney (4:21.14) 17:47.49
19. Anton Cartwright (4:26.33) 17:50.48
20. Joseph Williams (4:21.22) 17:52.13 (First U18)
WOMEN
1. Robyn Kime (4:26.13) 17:57.15
2. Donna Winter (4:51.30) 19:09.22
3. Robyn Henderson (4:54.03) 19:24.06 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KZ Siblings Dawid and Jasper Mocke snatched victory in the 2010 Discovery Scottburgh Durban - Siblings Dawid and Jasper Mocke snatched victory in the 2010 Discovery Scottburgh to Brighton surfski ultramarathon after twice having to grind back into contention after suffering major mishaps. The win was a maiden victory for younger brother jasper, and a sixth victory in the gruelling 46,5km classic for Dawid Mocke, the reigning world surfski series champion. However they started on the backfoot when they were battered trying to get out through the big surf at the start at Scottburgh. The crunching backline halted the progress of most of the field of elite double ski crews, with the exception of the classy combination of Ant Stott and Barry Lewin, who made a clean break and took a significant early lead. Once they had negotiated the Scottburgh surf the Mocke siblings, together with Darryl Bartho and Grant Woollaston and another all-brother crew of marathon world champions Grant and Brandon van der Walt, they managed to reel in the race leaders after six kilometres of racing in balmy, windless and largely flat ocean conditions. The Van der Walt brothers followed Bartho and Woollaston on a tactical gamble to look for a faster line further out to sea, and after apparently making some initial gains, it became clear that the inshore line followed by Stott and Lewin and the Mockes was a wiser choice, as they approached the compulsory beach stop at Amanzimtoti in the lead together. The two skis entered the big surfbreak at Amanzimtoti together and were caught by a following wave that saw Lewin and Stott's ski broadside, and ram into the Mocke's ski, punching a tennis-ball sized hole through the hull underneath the front cockpit. "The surf was big, but it was a dumb mistake," admitted a humble Lewin afterwards. While the Mockes swam to shore and started effecting emergency repairs on the beach Lewin and Stott managed to regain the lead, after being initially held up trying to get through the big backline at Toti. The Mocke brothers located duct tape to patch up the hole in their ski, but needed to completely dry the hull before starting with the taping. They were saved by race boss Billy Harker, who quickly stripped his one-year-old son Henry of his babygrow, allowing the brothers to quickly dry the boat and effect repairs. While this was happening, the chasing bunch was also hammered by the Toti surf. The third placed crew of Grant and Brandon van der Walt collided with Bartho and Woollaston coming in through the surf, shearing the nose clean off their ski, and ending their race in dramatic fashion. As the Mockes prepared to set off in pursuit of the race leaders they had to waste more time in the shorebreak while they tried to straighten their rudder damaged in the mid-surf collision. "Just as we fixed it, the surf suddenly flattened out," said Mocke. "It was as if Jesus calmed the ocean for us, and we gladly took it!" Trailing by more than three minutes, the Mocke siblings made a plan to win the race. "We decided that we had to treat it as a 16km timetrial, and just paddle at 90% all the way," said Jasper Mocke." We tried to equate it to starting one of our favourite paddles, from Smitswinkels Bay to Fishhoek," said jasper Mocke. Their plan paid handsome dividends as they caught Stott and Lewin after seven kilometres. "We were paddling on pure adrenaline," admitted Dawid Mocke. "That's a false energy, so when we caught up to Ant (Stott) and Barry (Lewin) were had to put the hammer down and grind past them, which we managed to do." They reached the finish at Brighton Beach alone, and easily negotiated the tricky surfbreak, after having paddled through a number of shoals of sardines, and cantered up the beach to claim the title. "This is one of the most memorable wins of my career," said Dawid Mocke afterwards. "Much of the credit must go to Jasper, who has got to be one of the most determined paddlers around," he added. Runners up Barry Lewin and Ant Stott heaped praise on the brothers for their spectacular fightback and admitted, "we were given a proper paddling lesson today." Darryl Bartho and Grant Woollaston made it to the finish exhausted by satisfied, but having been shaken by a visit from a Great white Shark four kilometres from the end of the race. "It was longer than our six metre ski, and it pulled up alongside me and gave me a long look with its black eye," said Bartho. "We were both pretty tired, but somehow our strokerate shot up to around 18kays per hour after that!" he added. the crowd at the finish gave a standing ovation to the gutsy Marine Surflifesaving club's surfboat crew, which managed to complete the gruelling race in their cumbersome vessel, having started before sunrise, and finishing close to the back of the field. More information and results can be found at www.surfski.co.za ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KEITH LITTLE Veldrif, Atlantic Ocean
Sunday 18 July 2010
Some things in life may come easy but not so the Freedom Challenge Extreme Triathlon. It took a tremendous effort by 2010 Freedom Challenger, Keith Little, to finish the Extreme Triathlon at Veldrif on the Atlantic coast..
Keith was one of three Freedom Challengers who lined up with a number of other trail runners at 4.30 am on Friday 18 June 2010 in Durban for the start of the 85km Duzi Trail Run. In its original form those doing the Extreme Triathlon version of the Freedom Challenge ran the 88 km Comrades Marathon, mountain biked the 2300km Freedom Challenge Race Across South Africa within 26 days and paddled the 240 km 4 day K1 Berg River Canoe Marathon. Changes in the scheduling of the Comrades Marathon gave rise to the Duzi Trail Run which is being developed as a stand alone event jointly hosted by the Freedom Challenge and DUCT, and will now forms the running leg of the Extreme Triathlon. Starting at Mango Rapid the runners followed footpaths and dirt roads as they ran up the course of the Umgeni River and Umzimduzi Rivers to the race finish at Bishopstowe Hall outside Pietermaritzburg. Running with fellow extreme triathlete Leon van der Nest Keith finished in 12hrs 30 minutes. “Parts of it were very wild and wonderful but with the footpaths and variable surfaces it was difficult to find a rhythm” he said afterwards.
Less than 12 hours later Keith was amongst the last batch of mountain bikers to leave Pietermaritzburg as part of the 2010 Freedom Challenge Race Across South Africa. By the time he reached the finish of the mountain bike leg he had ridden 2300 km on a route that took him over the Umkomaas and Umzimkulu Rivers, up to the top of the Drakensberg escarpment, across the Stormberg, through the Great Karoo, up the length of the Baviaanskloof, into the Swartberg Mountains, over the Little Karoo and Breede River Valley and into Diemersfontein wine estate overlooking the Berg River. Despite the demanding terrain, freezing winter weather conditions and mechanical failures, which saw the withdrawal of one of the three extreme triathletes, he arrived at the Diemersfontein finish on Sunday 11 July, 22 days, 13 hours and 40 minutes after starting the cycle. This gave him two days to rest and prepare his boat before continuing his journey down the Berg River to the Atlanti c Ocean.
At 9am on Wednesday 14 July Keith started his paddle. Day 1 of the Berg River Canoe Marathon brought with it testing weather conditions as a cold front passed over the Western Cape. By mid afternoon the entire field of paddlers had been lashed by squalls whilst navigating the difficult tree blocks that characterize the Berg and heavy snow fell on the surrounding mountains. The harsh weather caused the withdrawal of a number of paddlers including the other aspirant extreme triathlete Leon van der Nest. Keith battled through the day to finish in 6 hrs 17 minutes. As a result of continuing rain the following day, Thursday, saw a dramatic rise in the river levels which made for an easier day of paddling. However, that night things took a turn for the worse for Keith. Battling a stomach bug he was very ill and went into the third day, which is know to be the longest and hardest of the Berg, nauseous and sleep deprived. He was the las t paddler to complete the day, finishing in close to 8 hours. “It was really hard. I had to dig really deep” he said afterwards.
Starting before dawn on Saturday with the temperature at freezing Keith paddled into the sunrise. With the sky blue, the surrounding mountains white with snow, the fields green with young wheat and the water still he then paddled through to the finish at Veldrif to become the seventh person in the history of the Freedom Challenge to complete the extreme triathlon – a tremendous effort.
For more information:
www.freedomchallenge.org.za
David Waddilove 084 567 4152 ----------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 I am looking for second hand gym Equipment .I am willing to pay for it .Thanks Mike Mbanjwa (cell no. 078 1035 196) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Brand new K2 Cheetah (Mirage equivalent) for sale. Never been on the water. Perfect for Fish. R4400. ------------------------------------------------------- I am looking for a second hand High Line Eagle or Vaja in good condition, if there any out there please give me a shout on 082 894 9575 or
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. ------------------------------------------------------- Hi All I need help with getting a K4 from KZN to JHB. Can anyone help Regards Malcolm Stothard www.kayakracing.co.za www.setpaddles.co.za Tel:011 452-1724 Fax:0865213249 Cell:0824467984 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fenn XT surfki for sale Good condition R4 500 contact Dave ( Durban based) 082 888 2419 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ River Season Specials. M3 Glass split shaft paddles R495 each x2 M3 Mid Carbon Race split shaft paddles R995 each x2 M3 Full Carbon inner split shaft paddle R995 x1 M3 Kevlar Glass shaft R850 x1 M333 Glass split shaft R495 x1 M333 Full Carbon Glass shaft R995 each x4 P2 Lettman Carbon split shaft R995 x1 M5 Sprint Full Carbon paddle R1500 x1 Epic Full Carbon R2000 x1 Pleas also note we have moved so please call for directions. 13 Mpete Drive Drummond (Last house in the road) Kind Regards
Brendon Maxpaddle
Website: www.maxpaddle.com
Email:
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Mobile: +27 834152869
Tel/Fax: 0312629360
Skype: Germainesa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manta - Brand new still in the plastic, fiberglass R 3750 Vajda - Brand new still in the packaging. Light weight vacuum epoxy, top of the range from Knysna. Built for world marathon champs. 8kg with pumps in (pumps included). R13 000 Contact Ant 083 788 8031 or
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Boats for sale in PMB
K2 Popes Harrier race ready with pumps ------ R3200
K1 Popes Evolution as new with pump ----------R3500
K1 Excalibur excludes pump -----------------------R900
K1 Popes Evolution excludes pump --------------R400 Ant 083 630 2940 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Dear Paddlers
Do you have any old canoes blocking up your garage or killing your grass? Well, we can help!! Republic Sport.Adventure is trying to get 10 canoes together, either single or doubles which are in paddling condition. We are in the process of formulating a programme to help school kids get more involved in the sport. We will be adding canoeing to our already excising cycle clinics, so would appreciate any form of canoe donation. This process will hopefully create a stronger back bone to the development of canoeing in South Africa and allow the sport to continually grow, starting with our youth.
If you can help in any way, please could you contact Republic Sport.Adventure and speak to Clinton on 031-564 8499 / 082 562 3056 or email to this address. We can arrange collection and removal of the boats.
Thank you for your help.
Kind Regards
Clinton \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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2 Lothian Road; Briardene; 4051 Tel: 0315648499 Fax: 0315638798 www.republicadventure.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ THULE STEP UP – UNUSED Thule step up – very useful attachment to help reach the roof of your vehicle without standing on the bonnet. What offers?
Contact : Jenni on 0842061371
THULE BICYCLE CARRIER – BRAND NEW THULE Bicycle Rack - model 9502 two bike carrier. R2,900- Brand new (Shops selling price R3500.) Attaches to tow hitch. Contact: Jenni or Claudia on 084 206 1371 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR SALE. Millenium Harrier K2. Very good condition. R2500. PMB area. 083 679 7774. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 x Mark 2 Surfski. Front seat is size 5. Rear seat adjustable with screws . R3000.00 Very good condition. 1 x Mark 2 Surfski. Front seat is size 5. Rear seat adjustable with slider system. R4000.00. Very good condition. 1 x Icon Surfski. Seat is size 5. Good condition and race ready. R1500.00 Contact Flip Opperman @082 378 8992 (Richards Bay) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wanted: Roof-racks that will fit a 2008 Nissan X-Trail. Please contact Mark on 0837920523. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- K3 for sale.Perfect Fish boat. Great condition.Never been on river. Can be viewed and tested @ Shongweni. Contact Kevin 0825748990. |
