Canoeing in the rainstorm

Florida Lake canoe club’s safety officer Bertie Baard and Gauteng’s first ever para-canoeist Constant Olivier participated in the annual Centurion 9 Miler last weekend (26 July).

Not even a burst of thunder, lightning and rain as well as hail bucketing down could deter paddlers as they prepared to begin racing around Rietvlei’s dam. However, the skies cleared and within the first few laps, paddlers were removing their beanies, scarves and gloves as they warmed up.

“With no wind, the lake water was mirror smooth and the sun greeted the paddlers as they finished their tough competition which annually kick starts the serious season training as paddlers prepare for their major A grade events, which take place after winter, when the rains arrive and the rivers fill up excitingly,” said Gauteng Canoe Union’s Jennie Dallas.

Baard and Olivier finished the more than 16-kilometre race in a time of 1:46 as the first Sub Grand Master age group.

In August, Olivier will participate in the Tugela Marathon, and in September the Liebensbergvlei competition. This forms part of his training and preparation as both are two day river events, as is the Fish River Marathon which he will participate in, in October in Cradock. The A grade Eastern Cape event is where Olivier is targeting to become the first para-canoeist to participate in the event.

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