Inland surf-ski championships held at Emmerentia Dam
EMMERENTIA - Dabulamanzi Canoe Club at Emmarentia Dam hosted the High Altitude Surf-ski Championships on 9 May.
The event was dedicated to Mark Feather, a well-loved paddler who passed away after being lost at sea during a surf-ski last year.
The championships are believed to be the only high altitude surf-ski race in the world. The organisers arranged motorboats to create waves as simulated surf to provide a challenge for the paddlers and add to the fun and excitement.
The current multiple Dusi river race winner Andy Birkett was present, as well as multiple winner of the world paddle ski series Dawid Mocke.
The event attracted over 100 participants and included a number of stand-up paddlers.
The winners of the 12km event were Sandton residents Dave Hamilton-Brown and Wayne Jacobs who finished in 00:53:23.
Andy Birkett in a single ski came second in 00:54:00, while Rosebank resident Bradley Fisher along with his protege Siseko Ntondini from the Soweto Canoe and Recreation Club finished third with a time of 00:56:19.
The first inland, high altitude surf-ski race was an exciting, enjoyable fun-filled opportunity for many local paddlers to get some varied training under their belt.
Did you participate in or attend the race? Share your experiences with Rosebank Killarney Gazette in the comments below, or tweet us @RK_Gazette
