Stewart paddles to the podium at Umkomaas Canoe Marathon
He was third overall in the K1 race and first in his category.
The East Rand Kayaking (ERK) club’s Michael Stewart was in top form during the STIHL Umkomaas Canoe Marathon down the Umkomaas River in KZN.
On a K1 boat, Stewart finished the two-day 71 km race third overall and first in the men’s 55 to 59 category. He completed the race in a combined 06:01.
The race, marked by low water levels and a challenging technical course, started at Nyala Pans River Camp, with the paddlers completing the 45km day one route at Riverside.
On the second day, they paddled for 26km from Mbanjwa’s Kraal back to Nyala Pans to complete the race.
Among some ERK top performers were Mike Barry and his partner Malcolm Stoddard, finishing their double kayak race 25th overall and first in the men’s 60 to 64 category in 06:02.
Despite low water and no assistance from the river, Gauteng’s Bradley Boulle and partner Matt Fenn from KZN, winner of the Dusi Canoe Marathon, clinched the title after leading from the opening day.
With this victory, Fenn earned the prestigious Dusi-Umko double after winning the Dusi Canoe Marathon earlier this year.
“A large group of paddlers from Gauteng enjoyed participating in the wild, exciting Stihl Umkomaas river race, including a few from the Benoni-based canoe club, East Rand Kayak Club (ERK), based at Homestead Dam. They enjoyed the challenge and excitement,” said Gauteng Canoe Union media liaison Jennie Dallas.
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