Paddlers finish despite severe damage
Local Krugersdorp-based paddlers from the Florida Lake Canoe Club, enjoyed the opportunity to train for the Dusi.
Gauteng paddlers were thrilled to have the top South African paddlers to race with on a local river, preparing for the upcoming FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon in February.
World marathon champions, world surf ski champion, multiple Dusi winners and South African title holders Hank McGregor, Jasper Mocke, Andy Birkett, and Lance Kime’s highly respected abilities were a great drawcard to the local river racers as the Euro Steel team. The Euro Steel CEO, Colin Wilson also participated in the race to enjoy the vibrant excitement and fantastic water level.
Local Krugersdorp-based paddlers from the Florida Lake Canoe Club, Richard Daws and Eric Brown enjoyed the opportunity to train for the Dusi on this highly technical demanding river in the Euro Steel Crocodile River race challenge.
Paddling 35km on the first day, and 16 on the second day, as well as some serious kilometres of portaging where paddlers become runners, carrying their boats up grueling hills and across the fields of the Kentucky Polo Crosse farm, catching glimpses of buck and zebra from time to time – the paddlers were well tested for an endurance marathon event.
The race was hosted by the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club and took place on the Jukskei River from Heron Bridge Farm through the Lanseria area, on 16 and 17 January.
While a number of paddlers withdrew after the first day due to boat damage in the fast-flowing river, Richard and Eric hobbled across the finish line in a time of six hours 39 minutes, having sustained rudder/ steering damage when their cable snapped, delaying their paddling as the boat zigzagged and veered across the river in the strong currents, battling to control and manouvre their boat for the last 15 km.
Related articles:
• Dusi paddlers cross the finish
• Local paddlers take on grueling canoe race
