Paddlers get some tricks-of-the-trade
Paddling legend Hank McGregor visits the Victoria Lake Canoeing Club to inspire and motivate local paddlers.
For the past three years, South African paddling legend Hank McGregor has been crowned the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships K1 winner.
McGregor is a six-time gold medal winner at the World Championships and one of the finest all-round paddlers in history.
He recently visited the Victoria Lake Canoeing Club (VLC) to help inspire and motivate paddlers preparing for the imminent ICF World Marathon Championship, to be held in Pietermaritzburg.
The visit was a huge successful, attracting over 100 paddlers and interested parties from across Gauteng.
“The afternoon started with a group of interested Berg River Marathon paddlers having a training discussion with McGregor,” said Wayne Saunders, VLC club captain.
“During the discussion he shared training, racing and supplementation information and tips which have helped him to an unprecedented nine Berg River Marathon titles.
“Unlike most top performers McGregor was willing to share his experiences to help both the experienced and novice paddlers preparing to tackle the Berg.”
Paddlers then had a chance to enjoy VLC’s Tuesday evening time trials, against McGregor, who happily took on local youngster Colin Ledwaba in a K2 canoe.
Over 40 boats, which including some of Gauteng’s top paddling crews, took to the water, with the top three boats only just pipping McGregor to the finish.
“The course’s record time was shattered by over three minutes,” Saunders said happily.
The evening’s activities ended with a question and answer session with McGregor, in which he shared his path to success, some of the challenges he faced and also some perspectives on what it takes to reach the top, during a festive dinner.
“Overall the evening offer a wonderful opportunity to engage with one of South Africa’s true sporting legends, as well as providing a rare opportunity for Gauteng paddlers from all clubs to get together,” Saunders said.
The proceeds of the event will be directed to the VLC development and novice paddling programmes to encourage further growth in the sport.
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