Local paddlers enjoy canoe marathon
Michelle Reitsma said she would like to continue with her fitness build-up in the weeks leading to the Fish, and hopefully complete the Vaal marathon in November.
Bordeaux-based Michelle Reitsma was part of the Gauteng paddlers that participated in the annual Fish River Canoe Marathon in Cradock, Eastern Cape.
The two-day 80km marathon is a most exciting river race with the water released from major dams to fill the local farmers’ dams after winter, for the spring seasonal farming fields.
Reitsma enjoyed the marathon which was the South African K2 River Race Championships event, with her highly experienced partner and coach, Chad Andrews. They finished the two-day race in a time of 06:47 as the 19th mixed double (male and female combination) and as 15th veteran age category.
“The race experience was absolutely phenomenal. I loved seeing how Cradock opens up and welcomes the canoeists. You can feel the vibe everywhere you go. Some of the portages were tricky as they involved carrying the boat over rocks and fences and this was something I never experienced before. But we got through it without a problem.”
She explained that she started to get tired towards the end of day two and on the water she loved all the obstacles and everything about the river.
“Off the water – I loved the vibe from my fellow club members and in the town as a whole. For a first Fish marathon – I’m very happy with my performance. My goal was just to finish without falling and we managed to do this.”
The river is worth the long drive because of its significant rapids. In order to allow paddlers to shoot some weirs utilising the safety chutes—which are incredibly fun and fast sliding, Locals have constructed concrete ‘chutes’ across the river during the dry season.
“I learnt from the experience that I am absolutely capable of achieving big goals if I put my mind to it and then I can push my physical and mental limits. A similar race like the Dusi is absolutely something I can now consider in the future, whereas before it seemed completely out of reach.”
Robert Levick, an experienced river paddler, also enjoyed the race with his partner, Jonathan de Vrye, finishing the enjoyable experience in a time of 06:42, as 54th K2 (double kayak).
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