THE new canoe river race season commenced on April 1. The rainfall has subsided, flooding rivers have settled and beginners in river race canoeing have enjoyed learning basic river rapid skills, safety, and obtaining their proficiency certification. This will enable them to do the required number of river races through the low winter water levels, which are more manageable for them.
Novices enjoying learning river skills have to prove their competency with a basic river proficiency test/introduction where they are assisted with gaining the skills they need to be able to do river races. They will have to do a minimum of six river races to qualify for A-grade status in order to do major 100km races such as the Fish River and Dusi River marathons, which take place between October this year and February next year, when the rainfall ensures that the rivers are pumping and are enormous fun for those who have sufficient experience to enjoy them.
Paul Nel, who lives in Alberton, has become fascinated with the local river running near his area and, having found himself comfortable on the flat-water dams, has taken the steps to master the river turbulence and excitement. He has thoroughly enjoyed his river introductions and his successful proficiency test. Nel is looking forward to the first race of the new river season, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 16.
Rivers feature rapids, bridges and fallen trees, and paddlers need to learn how to manage to control their canoe and handle the obstacles. It is very exciting and provides a superb adrenaline rush. Despite the occasional swim, recovering the canoe and paddle is an important part of river proficiency, and the weather has been forgivingly warm and pleasant for the learners to enjoy their new experiences.
