VLC’s Chilli Bite Race
Novice paddlers gain confidence and experience at River Race.
Germiston’s Victoria Lake Canoe Club (VLC) hosted the doubles Chilli Bite Race, on the Klip River on June 14.
The short 18km race was aimed at novice paddlers who needed to gain experience and points towards an A Grade status.
The race was also suitable for paddlers who are less fit and wanted to get back into the river racing challenge without being out on the river for more than two hours in mid-winter.
Wayne Saunders, the race organiser, partnered with novice Theresa Walsh to sweep the back of the field and ensure that all the paddlers arrived safely at the finish and were not left to suffer hypothermia in cold, wet conditions.
Walsh is still gaining confidence and learning river skills and ability, and the pair finished the short race in two hours and 10 minutes, having enjoyed a couple of hours of fun on the river.
The long, 40km race was arranged to provide a training ground for those needing to train for the 220km Berg River Race, in the Western Cape, in July.
Members of the local club worked as marshals, organisers, sweeps and helpers on the river, to ensure safety and enjoyment for novices.
Other VLC members partnered with novice paddlers to help them gain experience.
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