A successful end to the summer rowing season rewarded Wemmer Pan Rowing Club’s efforts at the 59th South African Rowing Championships held on April 12 and 13 at the Roodeplaat Dam, north of Pretoria.
Local rowers produced great results despite creative last-minute crew changes and scratchings occasioned by the sudden illness of five stalwart club members.
Although the club’s home dam is Wemmer Pan, some of the members are Germiston residents.
Even after having to scratch four races, the club netted eight gold medals in addition to a number of second and third places.
The medals were awarded for their respective performances in:
- The first division masters doubles.
- The women’s masters’ doubles.
- The first division masters quadruples.
- The second division masters coxed eight.
- The second division masters coxed octuples.
- The second division masters coxless fours.
- The women’s master’s quadruples.
- The men’s C doubles.
The club’s juniors also managed to go through to the finals.
Impressively, the Madeley brothers (Mark and William) set a new record time with their win in the first division masters doubles.
“There was a great buzz among club members and fantastic teamwork all round, well done to all,” said the club captain Elra de Jager.
Wemmer Pan Junior Winter clinic will start on May 11 and run every Sunday for five weeks.
In addition, Wemmer also offers individual scull coaching and a Learn to Row clinic for everyone and anyone.
For more information contact de Jager on 082 783 5806 or email at elra.dejager@wfp.org.
