Surfs up at Emmarentia Dam
EMMARENTIA – Surf, ski, canoes and speed was the order of the day.
The Gauteng High Altitude Surfski Champs hosted by Dabulamanzi Canoe Club at Emmarentia Dam took place on 27 February.
Dozens of canoeing fans and spectators filled the banks of the dam to catch a glimpse of the high-octane race. Dabulamanzi club manager Jason Brown said, “Thanks goes to the 140 plus paddlers who turned out and the countless hours of preparation by volunteers and contributions by the generous sponsors Adreach, Standard Bank and Plusssz.”
The event, which is now in its 6th year of running, sees paddlers competing for line-honours in crafts designed for racing at sea. Jet skis and boats take to the water causing quite a stir in the dam which then culminates in large waves which mimic that of a sea adventure.
According to Brown, the race appears to be reaching further than the Gauteng borders as a number of the world class Team Eurosteel paddlers from KZN also competed at this year’s event, including: Olympic bronze medalist, Brigitte Hartley; six time World Marathon Champion, Hank McGreggor and Andy Birkett, six time Dusi Canoe Marathon winner.
The drastically low water levels due to the dam wall reconstruction did not deter participants. “This year’s Spring-low tide event saw record numbers of both paddlers and spectators alike. We look forward to an even bigger and better event next year,” added Brown.
Details: Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, info@dabulamanzi.co.za or 011 486 0979.
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