Kempton Park paddlers take on Vaal River Race
David Gerber a serious competitor based in Kempton Park finished in a time of 05:08.
Before the recent rains, Gauteng paddlers including those from Kempton Park were feeling despondent.
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With a lack of rain, numerous river races were cancelled.
Low water levels with many rocks can damage boats. But once the rains arrived, the rivers were flooded and paddlers waited with bated breath to see if the annual two-day Vaal River Race would proceed.
With all the gates on the dam open and the area below the dam wall flooded, conditions would be potentially dangerous water levels for canoeists.
Fortunately, discussions with the Joburg Water Board were positive and no more rain was anticipated in the feeder area.
Additionally, only one gate was open the days before the race to allow the water level on the river to be more manageable.
The two-day Vaal River Marathon took place at the end of November.
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Participants faced a gruelling 30km each day in full river conditions.
Over 100 paddlers took to the river over the weekend.
The first finisher in the race was an Emmarentia-based Dabulamanzi Canoe Club member and one of their top paddlers, Clinton Cook, who finished the two days of the race in 04:32.
Several residents from the East Rand area participated in the fast-flowing river race. Most are members of the Homestead-based canoe club, East Rand Kayak club the Ekurhuleni Kayak Club.
Among them were also numerous old hands at the Vaal River Race with many years of experience between them.
The top finisher from the East Rand was Benoni-based Liam Stewart, while David Gerber a serious competitor based in Kempton Park, finished behind him in 05:08.
They were followed by Richard Tandy at 5:18 and Mike Barry at 5:41.
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