Local canoeist paddler for the win

Paddlers from Dabulamanzi Canoe Club recently participated in The Pete Marlin Surfski Race.

Held in East London, the race spanned two days and saw the canoeists paddle a distance of 18 to 23km each day with varying courses that depended on the weather, currents and wind.

Gauteng Canoe Union‘s Jennie Dallas said a large number of paddlers from the local clubs in Gauteng enjoyed the opportunity and the tremendous surf fun. One of these was Peter O’Connor who, on day one, in the single-day race, was the second Great Grand Master finisher (over 65 years) and finished 157th overall in the K1 (one-man kayak) category in a time of 01:48:00.

ALSO READ: Gauteng marathon canoeing champion does proud in nationals

O’Connor had also recently received a bronze medal in Portugal from the International Canoe Federation when he took part in the World Masters Championships. While overseas, he also earned a medal in his age group in the Masters Surfski event.

Day two was for multiples and had K2 and K3 paddlers take to the water. On this race day, Peter Cole finished the single-day event in 01:28:00 as the 28th K1 across the finish line. He paddled K3 with Dabulamanzi canoeists Raoul Goosen and Karen Field, and they finished first in their race and fifth in the mixed boat (males and females) in a time of 02:06:00.

ALSO READ: Six reasons to start canoeing

Dallas concluded, “The beauty of the scenery was only enhanced by the wonder of viewing dolphins and whales in the water.”

ALSO READ: Canoes fill Emmarentia Dam as part of training for the Dusi race