After having to reschedule the iconic Bay Union King of the Bay surfski race due to the lockdown, participants were thrilled to learn that the event will take place this weekend.
“It was confirmed at the KZN Canoe Union (KZNCU) Zoom meeting that we can go ahead with the race this Sunday, October 4,” said Neels Meyer, event organiser.
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“The recent Pirates-Umhlanga-Pirates race attracted a record entry, so we are anticipating a huge response to the Bay Union King of the Bay as it is a very accessible event with its long course and short course options,” he said.
The event consists of a 25 kilometre paddle which begins at the Silt Canal on the Bluff Bayhead and paddles across the breadth of Durban harbour before exiting the breakwaters for an open ocean leg to the Mngeni River mouth and back to Vetch’s Beach.
Every aspect of the lockdown regulations which currently apply to hosting paddling events will be strictly adhered to, and organisers are confident that paddlers will be fully co-operative.
“It will be different as we work with smaller numbers and ensure social distancing. We have seen from the first few races that the KZNCU has held on the Upper Mngeni that this is very do-able, and the paddlers have been co-operative and have adapted well,” added Meyer.
“Although paddlers have been able to train and enjoy the ocean, they have not been able to compete.”
Last year’s champion, Hamish Lovemore, will be teaming up with Hank McGregor, another accomplished athlete, for the upcoming race.
Hamish is part of the Blue Lagoon MacSquad training group, coached by Hank McGregor’s father Lee McGregor, and shares daily training sessions with the elite group that has been built around Hank over the years.
“I feel like he’s a little brother, but not a day goes by without me feeling privileged to be paddling with an athlete of Hank’s calibre,” said Hamish.
“I am so pumped to be paddling with him, and we seem to be going well together.”
For more information on the race, visit www.kotb.co.za
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