Paddlers brave icy weather
Paddelrs braved the icy weather to compete in the SA Marathon Championship.
CAPE Robins flitting about the grounds were a strong indication that winter had arrived in Gauteng on the weekend of the SA Canoe Marathon Championships, when the cold front brought icy air and numb toes in the early morning.
Without a coastal wind to fuel the cold air, the hot Highveld sun soon warmed the region as well as the paddlers – many of whom wore only short sleeves or just vests. The two hour plus workout steamed up their bodies, despite the splash of chilled water from time to time and the day was a glorious winter day, provided one stayed in the sun and out of the shade.
With a strong field of nearly 250 competitors attracted by good prize monies, assisted by the support received from the City of Ekurhuleni, as well as Birchwood Hotels, who provided special rates for accommodation while Jeep, Sandown Motors assisted with provision of shuttles so the top paddlers of South Africa and international visitors had every reason to participate.
The red hot racers included former and current world marathon and surfski champions Hank McGregor and Grant and Brandon van der Walt, as well as multiple Dusi winners Andy Birkett and Abbey Adie, Olympic medallist Bridgitte Hartley, a crew of Australians and the cream of South African paddlers. The Gauteng locals were hard put to achieve top positions and podiums in various age categories.
The singles (K1) race took place on Saturday June 7 and included paddlers from the Gauteng school league, from ages seven upwards, while the doubles partnerships (K2) took place on Sunday June 8.
Martin van den Bergh, an international competing sprinter, participated at the SA Marathon event, managing to beat his Australian competition across the finish line to finish the grueling 22.5km race in 14th position and a time of 2:12. The race included five laps of Homestead dam, with four portages where paddlers had to jump out of boats and run while carrying them for a short distance, before putting back into the water to carry on racing. Much time can be gained or lost with a smooth portage!
Van den Bergh is the sprint coach at Johannesburg Canoe Club, based at Wemmer Pan, while studying at UJ for a sports science degree.
The race was very well organised with excellent support including meals, hot and cold drinks, giveaway waterproof jackets and sponsorship provided Supersport TV coverage.
