JCC members prepare for upcoming Dusi
Alex Masina from Wemmer Pan finished as the second single kayak and first u.18 in the Euro Steel Crocodile River Race.
GAUTENG paddlers were thrilled to have the top South African paddlers to race with in preparation for the upcoming FNB Dusi endurance event in February.
World marathon champions, world surfski champion, multiple Dusi winners and South African title holders, Hank McGregor, Jasper Mocke, Andy Birkett and Lance Kime’s highly respected abilities was a great draw card to the local river race for the Euro Steel team. The Euro Steel CEO, Colin Wilson, also participated in the race to enjoy the vibrant excitement and fantastic water level.
The Euro Steel Crocodile River Race hosted by Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, took place from Heron Bridge Farm through the Lanseria area on the Jukskei River on January 16 and 17. The water level was superb after rains stopped cricket in Wanderers on the Friday night, and runoff from the East Rand stormed into the water systems, while there was also a high level of water down the Hennops River after the confluence of the Crocodile River, to fill the river nicely as it pours itself into Hartebeespoort Dam.
Gavin Steyl from Alberton, partnered with Morgan Ziervogel also finished successfully in a time of 4:53 as the second mixed double (male/female combination).
Paddlers from the Johannesburg Canoe Club (JCC), based in the South of Johannesburg also enjoyed the opportunity to train for the Dusi on this highly technical demanding river so similar in its nature scattered with boulders and S-bend rapids as well as mighty wave trains.
Paddling 35km on the first day, and 16km on the second day, as well as some serious 8km of portaging where the paddlers become runners, carrying their boats up gruelling hills and across the fields of the Kentucky Polo Crosse farm catching glimpses of buck and zebra from time to time – the paddlers were well tested for an endurance marathon event.
While a number of paddlers withdrew after the first day due to boat damage in the fast flowing river, finishers included a fantastic effort by Alex Masina from Forest Hill High School, who was the second place K1 (single kayak) finisher in a time of 4:17.
