Paddlers take on the Wilson’s Challenge

Although their first attempt to complete the Wilson’s Challenge at Miller’s Point in Cape Town on February 8 was unsuccessful, Michael Stewart and Brad Fisher did exceptionally well given the trying conditions.

The Wilson’s is a personal paddling challenge to do 10 Miller’s Runs in one day (approximately 125km of paddling), starting at Miller’s Point, around Bakoven Rock to Fish Hoek Beach.

Stewart, from East Rand Kayaking (ERK) just about missed the target after completing nine loops before bad weather took over and he was warned to withdraw for safety reasons.

Fisher of Dabulamanzi Canoe Union in Emmarentia, who admitted he was not at peak fitness, completed seven loops despite the trying conditions on and off the water.

Gauteng Canoe Union’s (GCU) PRO Jennie Dallas lauded Stewart and Fisher, saying their attempt can’t be considered a failure considering what they were up against.

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“Their first attempt at the challenging ocean may not have been as successful as they had hoped, they did exceptionally well considering their lack of ocean paddling opportunities and practice. It certainly ignited their excitement and adventurous spirits.

“They are returning to Gauteng fired up with passion and will be planning to take on the challenge again,” Dallas said.

The pair would have become one of only 22 paddlers to complete the challenge, which was started by the late paddler and surfskier, Wayne ‘Wild Dog’ Wilson.

Following Wilson’s passing, his friends from Durban and the Fish Hoek Surfski Club declared the completion of 10 Miller’s the Wilson’s Challenge in his honour. I has been supported by the Millers Maniacs, who recreated the challenge, in 2021.

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