Guppies paddle on forth
EMMARENTIA – The Guppie Paddling Programme offers children the opportunity to learn paddling skills at the Emmarentia Dam.
Paddling trainer Sibusisio Zulu is all for learning how to paddle at a young age.
Zulu hosts a paddling programme for children called the Guppie Paddling Programme at the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club at Emmarentia Dam. The programme started in March 2013 and has been running strong ever since.
It is not only geared toward developing paddling skills for the children, but also encourages them to compete in paddling races, tournaments, and school paddling leagues.
The training is eligible for children from the ages of seven to 12.
Zulu saw potential in offering a training programme for the youth. He then decided to take it upon himself to design a programme that would introduce any child into the world of paddling.
“I also started paddling when I was very young. When you start training at a young age it’s more likely to give a higher performance when you are older and more experienced,” he said.
Parents of participating pupils are impressed with the programme’s quality leadership and results.
Parent Sarah Evans believes that the programme is a blessing for children and an absolute joy to support.
“My daughter Catelin started the programme for the first half of last year. She started again with her training this year. Both her father and I are canoeists and we love the fact that there is a safe place where we can bring her to train. It has been a wonderful experience bringing her here every Saturday. She is always excited to be part of the group and will be training to compete in the school league this year.”
Aside from being a trainer, Zulu is also a competitive athlete.
“I do canoeing and races. I am a member of the Soweto Canoe and Recreation Club (SCARC) and I also represent the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club,” said Zulu.
“Last week, I participated in the SA K1 Championship. We have been training relentlessly in preparation of the [Dusi Canoe Marathon – https://bit.ly/1vuaI4Z] later in February.”
There have been numerous sponsors who have supported the Guppie paddling programme. These consist of the AD reach group, SCARC and the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club.
“I just want to thank the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club for allowing me to make use of their premises for the training.”
The training times are the following:
Saturdays: 10am to 1pm
Sundays: 10am to 11am and 11am to 12pm
Details: Sibusiso Phineas Zulu 0719464920.
