Bromhof canoeist finishes second at provincial team qualifier
Delport van Schalkwyk finished second in the grand master category at a local marathon race.
Local canoeist Delport van Schalkwyk is eager to earn selection for the team to represent Gauteng at the South African Marathon Championships.
The Bromhof resident raced at the first K1 event used as a qualifier at Homestead Dam, Benoni, on May 8.
He finished second in the grand master age category (60–64), completing the 21km in 01:56:00.
“I prefer longer races over short ones,” said Van Schalkwyk, who trains at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club in Emmarentia as well as Florida Lake Canoe Club.
“I obviously prefer the races to be flat and easy but when there is wind, the waves can be large and you have to change your technique. When the waves come from the side, it can be a problem and water can come into the canoe. Very rarely, waves will even push the boat over.”
The race at Homestead Dam had five portages, where canoeists had to take their boats out the water and run/walk with them for a short distance.
Taking the boat out of the water and putting it back in can be tricky if in a hurry, and can sometimes lead to falling.
The next qualifier will be held at Florida Lake on May 15.
Details: Dabulamanzi Canoe Club info@dabulamanzi.co.za; 011 486 0979.
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