Dabulamanzi to host big splash in March

EMMARENTIA – Make a note of this unique not-to-be-missed water sports event.

February 6, 2018

Roxy de Villiers 1 minute read

Surf Ski singles winner, Andy Birkett, competes in the 2014 championships. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

While the Gauteng High Altitude Surf Ski Championships only take place in March, the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club is beyond eager for the event.

The club is located at the Emmarentia Dam and will be hosting the championships at their club on 3 March.

The club’s chairperson, Wayne Jacobs, who won the last year’s doubles category with Dave Hamilton-Brown gave some insight as to what surf skiing is and how it came to oceanless Johannesburg.

A stand-up paddle boarder navigates the waves during the 2014 championships. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

Surf skiing and surf skis are traditionally designed for the sea which creates a problem for Joburgers who have a passion for the sport which is how the competition came to Emmarentia Dam waters.

Because the boats and paddle boards are designed for rough waters, various speed boats circle the Emmarentia Dam to generate waves for the event in addition to the over 100 participants moving and splashing their oars.

The competition will be 12kms long for surf skiers and 6km for paddle boarders which prove to be quite a challenge with the man-made rough waters as well as the size of the dam.

Jacobs explained that it’s rather beneficial that the Emmarentia Dam is as small as it is as it would take much more for a larger body of water to have the kind of movement going as is what is needed for the event.

He told Northcliff Melville Times that the sport in Joburg was born out of the funny side of Joburg having a rather large sea water sports community despite there being no sea for kilometres on kilometres.

Jacobs said besides the unorthodox event taking centre stage, there will be a much entertainment for the whole family as well as various food options to keep the energy levels high.

“There will also be free camel rides. Because there’s no sea here, we’d like to bring it to the people and will turn the dam into a beach with beach sand,” Jacobs said.

However, being a canoeist himself Jacobs said those planning to spectate will have an opportunity to see some of the world’s best canoers in action which should be the main attraction.

Details: Dabulamanzi Canoe Club 011 486 0979.