Buttricks paddles to a win
The paddlers braved the crocodiles and hippos in the dam
TWO Kempton paddlers took on the crocodiles and hippo of Rietvlei Dam to win their categories in the 9 Miler 18km race at the end of July.
This race annually heralds the start of serious training for major races on the canoe race calendar and many paddlers who have been resting or hibernating since the Dusi in February or through the early part of winter, inevitably find their way back on to the water.
They need to obtain a decent seeding for the major A Grade Fish River 80km white water event which will take place in about two months time.
Various members of all age groups from Ekurhuleni Kayak Club based at Homestead Dam in Benoni participated, including Kempton Park’s Vincent Buttrick. He partnered with John Rowan in the same age group to win the Great Grand Master category prize, finishing in 1 hour 35 minutes.
The K1 winner of the race, David Gerber, was also from Kempton Park. Gerber came in, in 1 hour 22 minutes to claim fifth 5th place overall.
Despite the presence of both crocodile and hippo at the dam, the race, hosted by Centurion Canoe Club, never fails to attract a large crowd as the paddlers enjoy company on the five laps around the massive dam. With more than 130 paddlers on the water, no boat is alone for too long, either overtaking, or being overtaken, depending on fitness levels.
