Paddling through the canals of St Francis Bay
Michael Stewart, Benoni resident, finished as the second Master.
The South African Canoe Marathon Championships took place in St Francis Bay in the canals around the houses and Michael Stewart from Benoni participated in the event.
He was selected to represent Gauteng at the Gauteng Canoe Marathon Championships which took place at Germiston Lake in September.
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Stewart finished as the second Master, age category, in two hours and partnered with Pieter Engelbrecht, a local veterinary surgeon, to win the Masters Men category in a time of one hour and 52 minutes.
The K1 (Single Kayak) field of paddlers representing all provinces from throughout South Africa took place on October 11, while the doubles event, K2 Kayaks was raced on October 12 in view of the SA National Surfski Championships which took place on the Saturday, October 10.
“The races sported a superbly competitive field, with enjoyable support from the local residents,” said Jennie Dallas, Gauteng Canoe Union.
The Gauteng team made their presence known and a number achieved podium positions in all categories from junior league youth u-12 upwards to Great Grand Masters – over 65 years of age.
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The senior competitive race course is traditionally a 21km course with a number of short portages, for u-18 and older seniors.
However, the distances are less for the younger paddlers, as well as older veterans and grand masters in both male and female races.
