JCC paddlers enjoy marathon

THE 58th edition of the Vaal River Canoe Marathon hosted by the Wemmer Pan based Johannesburg Canoe Club (JCC), the oldest canoe club in Johannesburg, ran on November 7 and 8.

With dry drought conditions and low water levels it was arguably the most difficult marathon this year as boats got stuck on the large flat shelf rocks on the river between the Barrage and Smilin’ Thru, forcing paddlers to continuously get out of their boats and pull the boat over the rocks before continuing. Fortunately paddlers can always rely on Big Daddy and Gatsien to provide some excitement during the tough race.

With race monies and goodie bags sponsored by Creative Housewares, the race attracted numerous visitors from as far as Western Province, Border, Free State, Natal and the Lowveld.

The first junior team to finish were Alex Masina who attends Turffontein High School, and Peter Chissano, who finished as the 17th double across the finish line, first u.18, and in a time of 6:16. The youngsters are members of the JCC.

With 35km covered on the first day, the second day covered a distance of 26km, from Smilin’ Thru resort, through into Parys where there were also a number of portages over the boulder scattered low water section of river into Parys where the real fun began with the white water rapids which became more treacherous in the low conditions. The race finished at Hadeda Creek, a resort downriver from Parys.

The race has traditionally been a K2 event suitable to the long flat river sections of the Vaal which has always been sluggish and hard work, however it was the lighter boats, with lightweight paddlers and perhaps the K1’s that had the advantage in the low water conditions.