Klip River Race preps local paddlers
The Two Day Klip River Race, over the weekend of January 30 and 31, was the last river race in Gauteng prior to the FNB Dusi, from February 18 to 20.
Members of the Ekurhuleni Kayak (ERK) club, based at Homestead Dam, have been participating in various races to prepare for the challenge of the Dusi.
At the Klip Race they managed the tough demanding conditions with confidence.
Michael Stewart and his son, Liam, were the first club finishers, taking fourth place in a time of five hours and six minutes, and are hoping for another father and son podium at the event, while Jarryd Breeds and Tommy Booth clocked five hours and 55 minutes to finish the race.
Johan Rens, a new paddler with only a few river races to his credit, signed up with Franz Lottering, an experienced 10 times Dusi paddler, for his first adventure in the valley.
They finished the race in five hours and 27 minutes, while Grant Morshead and daughter Jade, who have done a few Dusi races together, finished the race in six hours and 33 minutes, as the fourth mixed double (male/female combination).
Alex Johnson and Miguel Simoes finished in seven hours and eight minutes, while Clint Munro and his father, Alan, finished the race in seven hours and 16 minutes and are looking forward to another successful Dusi.
John Rowan and Mike Howard finished in eight hours and three minutes, as the winners of the Great Grand Master category (over 60 years old).
