The Gauteng Canoe Union School League held one of its races, near Vanderbijlpark, on the Vaal River, on June 20.
These races are monthly events, where points are awarded to all finishers on a sliding scale, similar to that of the Motor Grand Prix.
The points accumulate throughout the year so that consistency and regular participation is rewarded, and not just the top three podium finishers in each age group.
Victoria Lake Canoe Club’s Jaemi Wellish was among the paddlers at the race and the St Catherine’s School pupil was very happy to earn her silver medal after her hard, 10km workout.
The races are set over age appropriate distances in the marathon season of the winter months, with u-8s finishing 3km, while u-10s and 12s completed a 6km distance.
Older paddlers cover longer distances of up to 12km for the u-18 paddlers while the u-14 youngsters do 10km.
Despite the early morning chill and mist rising off the water as the sun warmed the day, the juniors were adequately and well dressed and thoroughly enjoyed their most recent workout.
You may also be interested in:
Father and son take on the water.
