Bedfordview resident Paolo Ferrao recently took on the SA K2 River Championships race on the Vaal River.
Ferrao, an orthopaedic doctor at the Netcare Linksfield Hospital, partnered with his friend Richard Greeff for the race of 67kms.
The race was hosted by the Johannesburg Canoe Club.
Despite their efforts, the duo just missed a podium position in their age group category, as they finished as 4th Sub Vets in a time of three hours and 53 minutes.
Due to the drought, paddlers were concerned if the event would still take place considering the low levels on the Vaal Dam.
Following the heavy rains overnight, however, the water levels rose.
The race organisers had to reroute the race to above Parys, to avoid the white water section, where boulders were covered by layers of water making it dangerous for swimming.
The race was shortened on day two, from 30km to a mere 10km stretch.