Over 100 paddlers recently participated in the two-day Vaal River Marathon, paddling 30km a day in full river conditions.
Some less fit and motivated paddlers also took advantage of the one-day race opportunity.
Gauteng Canoe Union public relations and media spokesperson Jennie Dallas said, “The annual race was anticipated with bated breath as a few weeks ago all the gates on the dam were open and the areas below the dam wall were flooded, resulting in several river races being cancelled and leaving the paddlers in Gauteng feeling discouraged.
“Before the rains, the river was low and ‘bony,’ with lots of rocks that can damage boats. The Joburg Water Board ensured that only one gate was open in the days before the race, allowing the river’s water level to be more manageable while still being a full, enjoyable river with some thrilling rapids and weirs to master. Thanks to the discussions that went well.
“The Johannesburg Canoe Club, based in Wemmer Pan, was the first Canoe Club in Johannesburg in 1948. It has hosted this race annually since 1949, making it a legendary icon of canoeing in Gauteng.
“Unfortunately, due to various water pollution issues arising in the past year at Wemmer Pan, the club lost many members, sponsors and support and the race were in danger of being cancelled.
“A sister club, the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club based at Emmarentia Dam, stepped up to organise sponsorship and helpers to support the original club of Johannesburg and to ensure the race would continue. Other clubs also provided support marshalling and safety on the river,” said Dallas.
Dallas continued saying residents of Henley on Klip, who have experienced river paddlers on their local Klip River, provided support and assistance, marshalling, sweeping and safety for those who fell out of boats, had to swim, lost their boats or were in danger.
Dallas said Clinton Cook, an Emmarentia-based Dabulamanzi Canoe Club member and one of their top paddlers, finished the two-day race in 4:32.
“A few paddlers from KwaZulu-Natal finished second to fifth. Top-class paddlers who train on the infamous Dusi river travelled to Gauteng to take advantage of the opportunity because the race was declared a seeding position race for the Dusi river race, which is scheduled to take place in February. It provided excellent training of 30km per day on fast flow.”
