Watuni hosted the BASF river race, which was specifically aimed at new paddlers and novice racers on April 16.
Brand new paddlers took part in their first river race successfully.
Among the paddlers on the day was Christine Sears, an Edenvale resident, with her Dusi experienced husband, Michael.
The race took part on a section which covers a number of challenging rapids, including a turbulent drop with powerful waves, known as Broken Weir.
The race began at The Makery restaurant grounds at Henley on Klip and ended at the Danie Maclean park in Meyerton.
The race took place over 15 kilometres of the river.
The weather allowed for a good day as the learner paddlers took on the race, hoping to finish within the cut-off time and add a point towards their qualification for A grade status.
Christine and her husband finished the race in 1 hour 20 minutes, placing fourth in the male/female combination.
If the paddlers achieve A grade status they will be able to take part in the well-known Fish River and Dusi river races. The A grade races will take place next year.
