VLC paddlers show skills at Clean Water Challenge
This two-day race spanned a challenging 35km section of the river, featuring major rapids, tricky currents, sharp corners and rocky sections, making it a thrilling experience for the participants.
The Victoria Lake paddlers showcased their skills at the Standard Bank Clean Water Challenge on September 28 and 29 in the Free State.
This two-day race spanned a challenging 35km section of the river, featuring major rapids, tricky currents, sharp corners and rocky sections, making it a thrilling experience for the participants.
The event was recognised as the Gauteng K1 River Championships, serving as a selection opportunity for paddlers aiming to represent Gauteng at the upcoming South African K1 River Championships, the details of which will soon be announced.
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Helen Jansen van Vuuren, representing the Victoria Lake Canoe Club, led her team by competing in a single K1 kayak, finishing fourth among the females and 11th in the U23 category with a time of 05:22:00.
Other club paddlers, including Renier Kruger, Ryan Booysen, Robert Hamer and Uwe Schmidthaus, opted for a different approach.
They partnered up in K2 and K3 kayaks (two- and three-man) to relish the day on the river without competing in the K1 South African Championships.
“This challenge always provides paddlers with the chance to enjoy the outdoors,” said Jennie Dallas, the media liaison for the Gauteng Canoe Union.
“Many K2 paddlers relish the experience, combining competition with the excitement of navigating the river, clean water, fitness training and being in nature.”
Dallas emphasised the event’s role in fostering mentorship in the paddling community.
“It also allows experienced paddlers to teach newcomers about river navigation, wave trains, and manoeuvring on fast-flowing rivers, helping them gain the knowledge needed for future races.”
