The only surfski race in the world to simulate waves
The only High Altitude surfski race in the world, the organisers arranged motorboats to provide waves as simulated surf to provide challenge for the paddlers.
DABULAMANZI Canoe Club hosted the High Altitude Surf Ski Championships, in Gauteng, at Emmarentia Dam in Gauteng, on Saturday, May 9.
The race was dedicated to Mark Feather, a well-loved paddler lost at sea, last year.
This being the only high altitude surf ski race in the world, organisers arranged for motorboats to create waves, as simulated surf, to provide a challenge for the paddlers and add to the fun and excitement.
The honour of having the current multiple Dusi River Race winner, Andy Birkett, at the race, and the mutiple winner of the world paddle ski series, Dawid Mocke, attracted over 100 participants, as well as a number of stand up paddlers, to enjoy the challenge and custom kayaks.
Gerhard Moolman, the only person to have paddled practically unassisted from Nambilia to Somalia, also participated, so the race was not short of celebrities to encourage the locals!
Money was also used to donated to the NSRI from the entry fees collected.
The winners of the 12km event, Dave Hamilton-Brown and Wayne Jacobs, who finished in 53;23, were from Sandton, while Andy Birkett, on a single ski, finished second, in 54 minutes.
Rosebank’s Bradley Fisher, from Adreach, the sponsor and mentor of the Soweto Canoe and Recreation Club, paddled with one of their protegees, Siseko Ntondini, to finish third, in 56:19, leaving Dawid Mocke to claim fourth position in his single ski, one second later.
Morgan Ziervogel, from the South Joburg-based Wemmer Pan club, partnered with club member Peter Chissano from Johannesburg’s Canoe Club to finish the race as the third mixed double, in a time of one hour and five minutes in the u.23 age category. It was an exciting, enjoyable fun filled opportunity to get some exciting different training under the belt as well as enjoy the social vibe.
