Surfski hits the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club waters
Dabulamanzi Canoe Club was once again the host of this thrilling race.
Paddlers from around South Africa descended on Dabulamanzi Canoe Club as it hosted the only high-altitude surfski race in the world on March 11.
“The event was hosted for the 12th time, and was a superb day of fun paddling at the dam, for all ages, male and female, young and old,” said Gauteng Canoe Union spokesperson, Jennie Dallas.
The overall winners of the event were local paddlers, doubles surfskis, Bradley Boulle and Michael John Robb, who finished in a time of 00:42:33. They were followed by KwaZulu-Natal teams of Andy Birkett and Matt Fenn in 00:42:41, then Wayne Jacobs and Ricci Talevi in 00:42:45, and Hank and Pippa McGregor in 00:46:59 – Pippa being the first finishing female.
Other local paddlers, Mark Garden and Alex Roberts, crossed the finish line in 00:47:00.
Dallas said surfski is a popular sport at the coast, in the ocean waves. “However, 12 years ago, members decided they couldn’t always travel to the coast and it was imperative to find a way to enjoy surfski excitement on the highveld – they organised motorised boats and jet skis to provide the waves and choppy water, and the numerous paddlers from around Gauteng thoroughly enjoy the exciting event.”
Luke Salmon finished first in the single surfski with second place going to Benji Cockram and in third place was Sean Evans.
Winner of this year’s Dusi River race, Andy Birkett, travelled from the coast to participate in the event. He partnered with his young protégé, Matt Fenn, to take second place. Other well-known achievers and world-recognised top paddlers in the sport were also there to support the event.
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