Soweto paddlers embark on race

Some Soweto based paddlers took part in a two days race at Liebensbergvlei River from September 16 to 17.

Apart from the racers that participated, the experienced young river paddlers were positioned in many places on the river, as marshals, to direct and guide the paddlers as to where to shoot the weirs, which can cause boat damage or even danger if shot incorrectly by the canoe over the rocks.

As the sweep comes through past the rapids and weirs, he signals to the marshals on duty at their point, who then get back in their boat and they paddle together, to the end of the race, having done their jobs and ensured safety!

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The 30km per day river race started at the Reitz Water Works and to finish in Tweeling, in the Orange Free State.

The top finishing racing Sowetan paddlers were Benjamin Mntonintshi with Wongama Makasai, who finished as fifth boat first Under 23 age category in a time of three hours 52 minutes over the two days and 60kms later.

Siseko Ntondini and Banetse Nkhoesa were the next Soweto Canoe and Recreation Club team members across the finish line both days in a time of three hours 58 minutes!

Tinyeko Mahwayi and Sibongile Rengqe finished day one as the third Ladies boat, in two hours 33 minutes, and as second Under 23 paddlers to cross the finish line. Unfortunately they did not finish day two, as their boat was damaged on the rocks over the weir.

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Loveday Zondi and Ryno Armdorf also enjoyed their paddle down the river finishing in a time of four hours 54 minutes over both days, finishing as the second ASub Veteran age category finishers.