Local paddlers put on a big performance at SA championships
The South African Canoe Marathon Championships offers the canoeists the opportunity to be selected to represent the country at upcoming international races.
Randburg paddlers participated in The South African Canoe Marathon Championships at Roodeplaat Dam for a chance to be selected to the team to represent the country at upcoming international races.
The international team selected will also represent the country at the International Canoe Marathon events which will take place in Metkovic, Croatia on September 19–22.
There was exciting racing among the large group of entrants with pleasant weather and good competition resulting in an exciting long weekend of racing.
St Stithians learner Aayan Judy took home the U8 gold medal in a national event and doubled up in the K2 (two-man kayak) event, with Kaylen Armdorff to win the U10 race.
Blairgowrie-based Daniel van Eeden, who is already selected to represent the country in Szeged in Hungary at the Olympic Hopes Competition – a ‘sprint’ discipline, also did well in a number of marathons. Finishing fifth in U16 long-distance races.
In the older categories among many Blairgowrie participants, was Richard Cook who finished seventh in sub grand master age category, while Graham Holm achieved fourth place in the sub great grand master double race with partner Pete O’ Connor.
Cook explained that South African Canoe Marathon Championships were well organised and well attended. The weather was perfect and the venue top notch with competitive races.
“I am a novice (paddling for just over two years) and 57 years old, so did not have high expectations. I still had a great paddle and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was paddling against a group who had an average of 30 years’ each experience. I came last by a hair.”
He added that paddling is a very inclusive sport. It is a friendly group, and they all share a passion and have a good time. As a result, the events are an enormous amount of fun shared with a couple of hundred of your best friends.
He is now preparing and training for the river race season. “I did a few last year; will hopefully build on that experience this year.”
Holm from the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club praised the SA Championships. He said the races were impressive and exciting from all the various categories.
“Unfortunately, we missed the starts a bit and we lost the slip, and we ended up in fourth position. When you start you need to have a good start and if you slip it is very difficult to come back.”
Gabriella van Rooyen doubled with Karen Field to finish as second sub master ladies, and 4th K2 (double kayak). She was also third sub master lady finisher in the 35+ age group.
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