Members of East Rand Kayaking club play in the annual surfski championship
“It is very enjoyable as a social event and well supported, with a number of paddlers also dressing up in various costumes to add to the enjoyment."
David Gerber finished third during the annual High Altitude Surfski Championships, hosted by Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, at Emmarentia Dam on April 13.
Gerber, along with his partner Mike Arthur, finished the 10km challenge in 44 minutes for the bronze.
Other East Rand Kayaking members who took part in the race include Johan Grabe, who finished the race in 57 minutes, while Jonathan Nel completed in 54 minutes.
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Mike Stewart and Richard Tandy finished the K2 race in 45:47.
“It’s the world’s only high altitude Surfski race, where surf waves are created using jet skis or motorboats.
“The Gauteng paddlers thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and fun. Although there is a serious 10km race, there are also casual races and the less fit,” said Gauteng Canoe Union media liaison Jennie Dallas.
The English cocker spaniel, Ozzie Pickles, was the look-out guide from his boat while Captain Keith Flemmer and partner Brad Breetzke, did the hard work in the 10.41km race finishing in 01:08:20 at an average speed of 9.1km.
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“It is very enjoyable as a social event and well supported, with a number of paddlers also dressing up in various costumes to add to the enjoyment,” added Dallas.
