Pieter Engelbrecht just returned from the International Canoe Federation’s Masters Canoe Championship where he obtained a silver medal as runner-up.
The ICF (International Canoe Federation) presents on a yearly basis the Canoe Marathon World Championship.
This championship was held in Vejen, Denmark on August 28 and 29.
The marathon over 18km is raced on flatwater ( lake or dam) and involves four portages. The average time to complete is about 1:30:00.
Apart from superior fitness, it requires proper techniques in paddling and choosing the correct equipment that suits the particular athlete’s physique.
Engelbrecht said during a race a lot of strategy is involved and one needs to plan your race very well, a dynamic plan which only involves fully during a race based on your opposition strong and weak points.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the challenges it put towards me physically and mentally. To fully appreciate the commitment and efforts to do well in such an event is difficult to comprehend.”
“There is a senior category for the elite athletes and a master category for older (above 35 ) athletes. The master categories are highly competitive and to get a podium position is regarded as an admirable achievement among our piers,” said Engelbrecht.
He said it takes a team effort that includes a professional coach, a good training group such as the ERK Canoe Club based at Homestead Dam, and lots of training.
Engelbrecht’s coach is Gustav Radlof and he gives a shout out to his training group who motivates and pushes him out of his comfort zone.
“I train one to two hours per day, six days a week. Time management is critical and early morning sessions on Homestead is a reality in winter.
“My family and Rinet, my wife and biggest fan, and the team at Rynfield Vet are understanding. I can take time mostly at my own discretion.”
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This veterinary surgeon at the Bapsfontein Animal Hospital, and his double kayak (K2) partner, Matthew Ballenden from Emmarentia Dam, also finished fourth overall in the Florida Lake Canoe Club’s recent flat water marathon held on August 19.
They were the first masters (50 years and older) to cross the finish line of the 20km race which they completed in a time of 1:31:00.
The marathon included a 6km race for “guppies” – U8 to U12 age group paddlers, as well as a short 10km course for the less fit and newer paddlers and a 20km long race for the stronger, fitter and more energetic sportsmen.
Engelbrecht has paddled in numerous international marathon events which require a portage where the paddler hops out of the boat smoothly to run a short distance, carrying the boat and then efficiently re-entering the water to continue the paddling race.
He also completed numerous well-known river races.
