Edenvale resident races among rapids
“Fortunately, discussions with the Joburg Water Board were positive and no more rain was anticipated in the feeder area,”
Hundreds of paddlers including some from the greater Edenvale area took to the Vaal River following numerous cancellations of recent river races.
Paddlers from far and wide came together at the end of 2022 when they competed in the Vaal River Race.
Traversing 30km each day the event saw canoeists paddle in full river conditions.
Also read: Sweeping finishes for canoeists
According to Jennie Dallas, Gauteng Canoe Union’s media liaison, the lack of rains left river levels low and bony with many rocks, which could damage boats protruding from the water.
Dallas said with the recent rainfall canoeists waited in anticipation to see if approval would be given for the annual river race.
She said several weeks ago all of the Vaal Dam gates were opened, flooding the area below the dam.
This led to potentially dangerous water levels for canoeists.
“Fortunately, discussions with the Joburg Water Board were positive and no more rain was anticipated in the feeder area,” said Dallas.
“The board were able to ensure that only one gate was open leading up to the race allowing the water level on the river to be more manageable although still a full fun river with some exciting rapids and weirs to master.”
The first finisher in the race was Dabulamanzi Canoe Club member Clinton Cook. He finished in a time of 4 hours 32 minutes.
Several KwaZulu-Natal-based paddlers who train in the infamous Dusi River took the second to fifth positions.
Robert Hamer and Edenvale resident Martin Thirwell, who competed on November 25, finished in a time of 5 hours and 3 minutes.
Dallas said the duo thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of the white-water rapids and fast flow of the river.
Dallas said Wemmer Pan-based Johannesburg Canoe Club, which was the first canoe club established in Johannesburg, started hosting the race in 1949 a year after its founding.
She said over the years, the club became an icon in the Gauteng canoeing community.
“Unfortunately, due to water pollution at the pan in the past year, the club lost many members, sponsors, as well as support and the race was in danger of being cancelled,” said Dallas.
She said the sister club, Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, based at Emmarentia Dam lent a hand by organising sponsorship and helpers to ensure that the race would continue.
