THE weather couldn’t have been more perfect as Gautengers lined up for a great day of racing and training in long distance challenges, for paddlers to improve fitness and endurance.
Kyle Smith, a proud Southerner and member of the Johannesburg Canoe Club based at Wemmer Pan, raced on Saturday in the K1 senior men division, finishing 29km in 2:29, to earn the bronze medal and third place podium position, with only seconds between the other finalists.
With over 100 boats on the water at Homestead Dam in Benoni, the busy event started with the K1 u-14 and upwards at 8am, and finished with the guppy paddlers (u-12 and below).
The race was hosted by the East Rand Kayak Club.
The K1 championships, held to identify the best Gauteng team for the South African marathon championship in Natal during June, was held on Saturday, May 16, with the doubles and K2 combinations on Sunday, May 17.
Races included a running portage where, after each 3.5km lap, the paddlers jumped out of their boats and ran with them for a short section before jumping back in the water to continue the race. This is according to the international standard requirements. The races are different distances for age appropriate expectations and are based on the SA Marathon distance requirements.
