Kime claims maiden Avon crown in ‘Oz’
Impressive showing from KZN paddler as he adds his first international title to the Dusi Canoe Marathon won last year.
IT was a dream debut ‘down under’ for South African canoeing star Lance Kime who managed to hold off local favourite Josh Kippin to take the 2014 Avon Descent title in Perth, Australia on Sunday (3 August).
It was an impressive showing from the KZN paddler as he added his first international title to the Dusi Canoe Marathon victory he notched up in 2013 and saw the crown return to South African shores for a fifth consecutive year after countryman Hank McGregor clinched victory on the previous four occasions.
With a full river beneath them, the field of 440 paddlers and 114 power-boaters set off on the gruelling 124km two-day adventure from Northam to Bayswater in Western Australia on a chilly Saturday morning and after a solid first stage effort, Kime settled for second best overnight as Kippin – no stranger to South African shores having spent six months competing in paddling events and travelling the country from September to March – enjoyed a 25 second lead.
Kippin however surrendered his lead midway through the Sunday’s second stage of the 42nd edition of the Avon when he suffered a costly mishap at Emu Falls, allowing both Kime to sail into the lead and Matthew Dean by his side for company.
“I am stoked to come away with a win at my first attempt,” an elated Kime said afterwards. “Today was very tough from a distance point of view. It was a very, very long flat (water) section and six hours in the boat was gruelling. I was very, very lucky to have my good friend Matthew Dean to work with and if it wasn’t for him, I definitely wouldn’t be standing here in first place!” he added appreciatively.
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