Anthony Bown, one of a number of paddlers based in Fourways, took part in the A+ rated canoe marathon hosted on the Crocodile River in Mpumalanga over the weekend of 12 October.
The race, which was hosted by a local Nelspruit-based canoe club, is one of the most difficult and technical river races held in South Africa, where compulsory helmets are indicated as well as a Triple A river rating in order to compete.” The canoe race of 20km per day is growing in popularity as one of the most demanding and challenging races, and the top finishers are recognised at the Gauteng Canoe Union as the ‘K1 River Kings’. With fast flowing water released into the narrow river bed, the race is fast and furious and boat breaks are quick, requiring superb river
skills and fast reflexes,” said Jennie Dallas of the Gauteng Canoe Union.
Bown said he thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of the river in the Lowveld.
“With skills and expertise practised on the Highveld Crocodile River, which flows in the Jukskei River near Lanseria Airport, Bown and
his cronies regularly enjoy honing their abilities to prepare for such technical tricky rivers, such as the Lowveld Crocodile,” Dallas said.
Bown finished as 14th finisher and third sub-veteran in a time of 4 hours 39 minutes, with his friend Douglas Jewson, who won the recent Highveld Crocodile race, just seconds behind him.
