Springs paddlers Conrad Cronje (15) and his father Johan Cronje (46) recently participated in the 22km Klip River Race from Meyerton to Three Rivers.
The event was hosted by Florida Lake Canoe Club and more than 100 paddlers enjoyed the mild autumn early morning chill.
The father and son live in in Welgedacht Agricultural Holdings.
As the day warmed to normal Gauteng highveld temperatures, many paddlers gained experience,earning points towards A grade status, to be able to compete in their first A grade river race, the Fish River Marathon, in October.
Conrad and Johan are members of the East Rand Kayak Canoeing Club based at Homestead Dam, Benoni.
Although Conrad has been paddling since he was 10 years old, this was his first river race.
The father and son team finished their first race together in a time of 2:01;00, confidently and enjoyably.
Conrad needs to obtain six qualifying points before he can qualify to take on the Fish River Marathon.
Their next Klip River Race will take place on June 14.