Mount Moreland sisters shine on water
Saskia and Valma Jean Hockly have formed a formidable partnership out on the water and recently dominated events at the SA Schools and Senior Sprint Championships.
WHEN it comes to paddling pedigree, one need not look any further than the Hockly sisters, Saskia and Valma Jean.
The duo have formed a formidable partnership out on the water and recently dominated events at the SA Schools and Senior Sprint Championships at Lomond Dam outside Gansbaai in the Western Cape.
Saskia proved her versatility at the event, winning every race in the U18 girls division, claiming all four SA K1 titles (200m, 500m, 1 000m and 5 000m) and then teaming up with Valma Jean to win all of the K2 races, as well, in the same distances.
In all, Saskia walked away with eight golds at the championships.
“We have both been working hard on our paddling this year. The sprint championships was actually the first time we had properly paddled together in a K2. Being able to paddle with Valma Jean and perform well is an incredible feeling. It has definitely boosted our confidence ahead of the SA Marathon Championships which take place this weekend,” Saskia explained.
LISTEN: Hockly sister shares insight into her paddling success
Incredibly a week after the sprint championships, the duo competed at the South African Surfski Championships where Saskia claimed first position in the U18 category and Valma Jean placed second.
That result meant Saskia has been selected for the national team for the World Surfski Championship in Portugal, which will be run in conjunction with the ever popular Nelo Surfski Challenge.
“My coach Matt Bouman has really pushed me to the next level in my training. My aim this year is to win a double gold at World Marathon Champs and World Surfski Champs,” she said.
Her sister and Danville Park Girls’ High School learner, Valma Jean, also has similar aspirations and says Saskia has served as her inspiration.
“I have full confidence that Saskia will perform exceptionally at the upcoming world champs. She is someone I look up to and hope to emulate. We have discussed our goals for the doubles arena; we are both aiming for podium finishes,” Valma Jean said.
