Raoul Goosen, an experienced paddler partnered with Natasha Haslam and John MacDonald. They are all Sandton residents and members of the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club based at Emmarentia Dam.
The team was exposed to the adrenalin, enjoyment and challenge of the white water rapids on the river. Jennie Dallas, the Gauteng Canoe Union public relations officer said the flat water parts of the race provided excellent training to build stamina and endurance for long distance races.
“The river races also provide opportunities for paddlers to gain qualifying points for A grade status in order to participate at the upcoming A grade events, while also providing good mileage for training towards the 46km on the first day of the Hansa Fish River Marathon which will take place in October, in the Eastern Cape,” explained Dallas.
She said the three-man K3 canoes, a relatively new introduction in South African kayaking which traditionally consisted of K1, K2 or K4 canoes, has proven to be immensely popular in assisting learners to acquire river skills in an exciting and stable situation with one or two experienced partners.
“The Hansa Fish River Marathon in Cradock has a category for the K3 due to the popularity of the entries of these boats into the major white water river race in October,” added Dallas.
