Paddlers splashes surf waves during surfski race
Fourways residents had fun showing off their paddling skills during the competition at Emmarentia dam.
Dabulamanzi Canoe Club is located at Emmarentia Dam and annually hosts an exhilarating high-altitude surfski race. This event is one of a kind in the world as it uses jet skis, motorboats, and other equipment to create surf waves.
The Gauteng paddlers eagerly look forward to this race every year as it offers a unique challenge and a lot of fun. This event provides an opportunity for paddlers to show off their skills and compete with others who share their passion for the sport.
Read more: Fourways residents among Dabulamanzi Canoe Club members who completed canoe marathon
Matthew Cockram and his 18-year-old son, Ethan from Fourways Gardens joined in the fun and enjoyed paddling together. They are currently in training to participate in the Berg River Marathon which is set to take place in the Western Cape in July.
This will be for the winter season race, one of the longest in the world and one of the toughest in freezing, even rainy, conditions, 240km from Paarl to Velddrif over a period of four days of which Ethan completed last year and won the U18 K1 title.
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It is very enjoyable as a social event and well supported – with several paddlers also dressing up in various costumes to add to the enjoyment, according to the media liaison of Gauteng Canoe Union, Jennie Dallas.
Dallas said the surfski race is a serious 10km competition, but there are also casual races for participants who prefer a more relaxed pace. As a result, some of the less fit and very young paddlers do not complete the full 10km, and so the race results are available only for the serious racers.
Gunther Grune also a resident in Fourways, partnered with Richard Cook to finish in 48 minutes and 40 seconds taking 25th position.
“With its stunning location and challenging course, the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club’s high altitude surfski race is an exciting event that draws paddlers from all over the world,” said Dallas.
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