Fourways paddlers shine at the Berg River Canoe Marathon
Fourways Garden residents paddled from Paarl to Velddrif as they braved the challenges of the 240km course and discovered what it takes to be a champion.
Fourways paddlers participated in the annual Berg River Canoe Marathon in the Western Cape from July 3 to 6, tackling the challenging 240km route from Paarl to Velddrif.
“The event is steeped in history, dating back to 1952 when three adventurers, Bennie le Roux, Apie le Roux, and Sam du Toit, first set off in an outboard-motor-driven boat and took four full days to reach the West Coast fishing town of Velddrif,” said media liaison of the Gauteng Canoe Union, Jennie Dallas.
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“In 1962, a group of 35 pioneers founded the Berg River Canoe Marathon, which has since become a beloved and gruelling endurance event.” The four-day race saw only 19 paddlers complete the inaugural edition, but its popularity has grown steadily over the years.
This year’s event was no exception, with paddlers braving freezing temperatures to test their mettle against the mighty Berg River.
Among the competitors was Knysna’s Tom Lovemore, who secured his first-ever Berg River Canoe Marathon win. He crossed the finish line ahead of the leading bunch in a sunny Velddrif, with Robbie Herreveld, a Gauteng-based canoeing legend from the 80s and 90s, finishing second.
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One of the most notable participants from Fourways was Matthew Cockram and his son Ethan. Ethan, currently on a gap year after completing high school, finished an impressive second in the U23 category, overall finishing 21st. Matthew finished second in the Sub Grand Master age category.
“I’m thrilled to have completed another Berg River Canoe Marathon, I wish I could’ve kept up with my son, he was way ahead of me. Despite not paddling together, it was an amazing experience sharing this event with him,” said Matthew.
Dallas concluded, “The Berg River Canoe Marathon is an event that requires dedication, perseverance, and sheer determination. Paddlers must navigate the river’s rapids and calm stretches over four days, battling against the elements and their physical limits. For those who complete it, however, the sense of accomplishment is immeasurable.”
As the sun sets on another successful Berg River Canoe Marathon, organisers and competitors look forward to next year’s event.
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