Nigel rows to success
Nigel Bakker (51) competed and excelled at the 2016 World Rowing Masters Regatta held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from September 8 to 11.
Lambton’s talented Nigel Bakker (51) put South Africa and Germiston on the map at the 2016 World Rowing Masters Regatta, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from September 8 to 11.
Bakker scooped three gold medals from the five races in which he took part.
“Rowing categories and races are divided by age, category A is from 27 to 34, B from 35 to 41, C from 42 to 49, D from 50 to 55 and so on, as it is worked out in five year intervals,” he said.
“I raced in the C and D singles, C and D doubles and in the mixed doubles categories.
“I won the C and D singles and D doubles.”
Bakker also said that rowers are allowed to compete in younger age categories.
“If you feel you are fit enough to race with the youngsters, you are allowed to do so, which is why I raced in the C category, though my age is in the D category,” he explained.
“For the D doubles I was partnered with Michael Weber, from Germany.
“We made a good team and conquered all the challenges to place first.”
The Lambton resident is pleased with his C singles results.
“I won the races, but what makes me even happier is that I had the fastest time – three minutes and 33.01 seconds – in the C singles category,” he said.
“It was absolutely amazing.”
The Victoria Lake Rowing Club member has always loved rowing.
“As an adult I have been rowing for 10 years,” he said.
“I used to do it while I was at school, then I stopped, but it has always been on my mind.
“Years later I decided to go back to rowing again and I haven’t looked back since.
“I had picked up a bit of weight, but that didn’t stop me from giving this sport my all, and it is paying off.”
Bakker has taken part in other races previously but none can compare to his recent achievement.
“I have taken part in previous regattas over the years and scooped a few medals along the way, but this year it was special and different,” he said.
“I trained really hard, there was a time I was training eight times a week, I was training like a demon for eight months prior to the regatta.
“Some stages I would even do gym and water training in one session.
“I even had a strength training programme that was given to me by Kate-Lyn Boshoff who is a biokinetist based at UJ.
“It helped me a lot and resulted in the three gold medals.”
The local rower said he would like to see more youngsters join the sport.
“We want more youngsters to dominate this sport; it requires strength, skill and endurance among other things,” he added.
“We have people who are in their 70s and 80s and racing with us.
“It helps you stay fit and healthy.”
Bakker said he hopes to attend the World Masters Games, that will be held in New Zealand, next year.
You might also be interested in:
Local paddlers are training hard for upcoming canoe marathon
