Drak Challenge organisers praying for rain

“This race relies entirely on rainfall for water levels – there are no dams that can provide water releases,” said race committee head Barry Cole about the two-day race which starts on Saturday.

“While we have had excellent rains this summer…, the river is low at the moment.

“Predicting weather in the Berg is a dicey task at the best of times, and there is still a chance that a storm could change everything before the race.”

Should water conditions not reach the minimum mark set by the race bosses for the start at Castleburn, the race start may be moved to the Trout Hatcheries, cutting out the first 15km and the Valley of a Thousand Rapids which is very steep and rocky.

“All we can do is respond to the conditions on the day, and prepare the best race possible for the paddlers.”

This year’s edition has added importance as it hosts the South African K1 River Championships for 2014.

Last year the race committee was gearing up for the low water contingency plans on the day before the race, when an isolated cloudburst in precisely the right area sent the river levels rocketing, and several hours later the race was restricted to only paddlers with suitable wild water competencies.

– Sapa