Fourways husband and wife duo paddle their way into victory

The Fourways residents finished 4th in the mixed double (male and female) combination, second in the sub master age (U30) category and 14th in the pair segments.

Despite dire predictions of a freezing cold weekend, race day turned out to be a pleasant, warm, wind-free and enjoyable day.

Paddlers gathered at the Heidelberg Bridge for the long 40km race. The race was hosted by the East Rand Kayak club based at Homestead Dam in Ekurhuleni Municipality.

However according to the Brownes, there were a few problems on the river. One was an old pipe and metal plate that had popped up in the river, resulting in some serious boat damage which forced some paddlers to withdraw from the race. There were also number of withdrawals once paddlers reached their 20km quota for the first day.

“However it was vital for us to push the entire 40km on the first day to increase our mileage and build up our stamina,” the duo said.

Despite the low winter water levels, there was a guaranteed water release on the Fish River and its surrounding spruits, which meant the rivers flowed faster than the local Klip and provided good stamina training for the contestants.

En route, the Brownes were delighted by new buds on the willow trees hanging over the river, which they said added to the picturesque surroundings and made for a pretty and tranquil paddle.

They said they saw swallows, avocets and kingfishers all the way down the river, even new green weaver nests and baby ducklings from time to time. Other wildlife along the way included a troupe of young monkeys below a train bridge creating a comedic ruckus for the paddlers.

The couple were delighted to have placed so highly in the race, saying it had proven to them that they are capable of working as a team. Not only was it an enjoyable day for all, it suggested spring had definitely sprung.