There is always another adventure on the water for Dabulamanzi canoeist

There is always something left to explore on the river rapids spread across South Africa – a new sight to see, a new course to conquer, and new friends to make.

Wayne Jacobs (37) is Gauteng’s fastest marathon canoeist and has been canoeing for 23 years.

Yet he has not grown tired of the sport, and only wants to improve his times and discover all that South Africa has to offer.

The Craighall resident is a member of the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club at Emmarentia Dam. He took a gold medal in the sub-veteran division (35–39 age group) at the International Canoe Federation World Marathon Championship doubles race in Pietermaritzburg from 8 to 10 September, and took silver in the singles race.

READ: #ACTIVE – Dabulamanzi Canoe Club – JoburgToday 

Jacobs also finished first in the Elands River Race in February, the Gauteng High Altitude Surf Ski Championships in March, and the Gauteng Marathon Championships in July. Furthermore, he is the South African Marathon Championships sub-veteran winner for the past two years.

It all began for Jacobs when his father, Bruce, canoed at Dabulamanzi, and Jacobs came along and ‘fooled around’ on the canoes.

Before he knew it, Jacobs was racing on river rapids in all nine provinces, and winning the Junior World Championships in 1998.

“The marathon races allow me to see parts of the country I would not otherwise see,” he explained.

“Every day is a new adventure. Whether training for the next big race or racing on the Umkomazi River in KwaZulu Natal – a beautiful area with big rapids – there is always something new.”

He said he preferred marathon races over sprints, as they were bigger and the camaraderie between canoeists was fantastic.

The support shared between canoeists, and jokes as well, help a canoeist finish a race.

ALSO READ: Dabulamanzi Canoe Club canoe time trials 

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