Locals vanquish the Fish
A contingent of paddlers from the Homestead Dam-based Ekurhuleni Kayak Club (ERK) travelled to Cradock, in the Eastern Cape, for the two-day Hansa Fish River Marathon, an A-rated Canoeing South Africa race, with a total distance of 81.8km.
The event was held from Friday, October 10, to Saturday, October 11.
According to ERK chairman Michael Stewart, the club had a good marathon overall.
Stewart, the top paddler from ERK, took part in the K2 (doubles) race with his son, Liam, and the father and son duo managed to retain the Marthinus Erasmus Memorial Shield (first parent and child) award, which they picked up at last year’s race.
This year’s race was different to 2013’s edition for the Stewarts, as Liam drove his father down the Fish River for the first time.
They were also the first finishers from Homestead Dam, in 76th place (a Top 100 finish) and were the fifth K2 home in a time of five hours and 52 minutes, over the two days.
“There was slightly more water than usual in the river this year and it was really clean,” Stewart said.
“Of all the canoe races in South Africa the Fish definitely has the most amazing vibe.”
Other notable paddlers from ERK who completed the marathon are Tommy Both (the only K1 ERK paddler) who finished in 158th position overall and in 109th position in the K1 race.
ERK’s Dave White finished in a K2 with Richard Hay (son of the late ERK member Paul), while Raymond Pratt, Vince Buttrick and Rodney Carpenter achieved a podium place in the K3 (triples) Grandmaster category.
Dean Conrad, another ERK member, teamed up with young development paddler Donald Moncho, from the Florida Canoe Club, and helped him through his first daunting experience down the Fish River.
The pair did well, with an overall time of six hours and 42 minutes over the two days and a 57th placing in the K2.
Another ERK father and son combination, Herman and Ruben Timmerman, also completed the race, while another grandmaster, John Rowan, completed the race with Keith Beeston, from Johannesburg Canoe Club.
The chairman had special praise for Fish River novice Frith Cooper, who competed in a K3, with Deon Gerber and Steve Barnard.
The trio finished in 80th position in the K3 category.
“It was an outstanding performance from Frith,” Stewart said.
“Just a year ago she was swimming (toppled over) on flat water, at Homestead Dam, and now she has a big race under her belt.
“We are really proud of her and everybody from ERK.”
