Local paddlers make strides in the waters

The Gauteng Canoe Union Marathon Championships were hosted at Roodeplaat Dam on June 1 and 2, where provincial teams to represent Gauteng at the nationals were identified.

Numerous paddlers also participated at the South African Canoe Marathon Championships which took place at Roodeplaat Dam from June 14 to 16.

This year has also offered local canoeists the opportunity to be selected to represent the country at upcoming international races.

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Selected teams will represent the country at the international canoe marathon events that are set to take place in September at Metkovi?, Croatia.

Wuongama Makasi is one of the Soweto Paddlers who participated in the recent canoe marathon championships.

It has been 10 years since he joined the sport and has been participating in different competitions since then.

“I started with playing soccer but after joining canoe, I had to let go of soccer because I enjoy this sport so much and I have learned a lot since then,” Makasi said.

He explained that the exciting part about this sport is that as a participant you are doing it for yourself because when you win, the prize and all the victory belongs to you.

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On the previous canoe marathon, members of the Soweto Canoe and Recreation Club based at Power Park participated in the various events including single K1/K2 double races, from under eight through to older Veteran age categories – with some good results.

Nkosi Mzolo who is part of the coaching and organising team has been selected as the team manager that will accompany the team representing South Africa at international events.