Paddlers out in full force
Numerous paddlers were back on the water enjoying the glorious warmth of the sun
THE 22km Klip River Race on Sunday from Meyerton Sports Grounds to the Vaal River junction at Three Rivers, hosted by Johannesburg Canoe Club at Wemmer Pan, was a clear indication that winter is over and serious training for the river race season is in full swing.
Numerous paddlers were back on the water enjoying the glorious warmth of the sun as the water chill factor has also reduced.
With lots of women on the river, as well as newer learner paddlers and even some first-time river racers, the enjoyment of the adrenalin and adventure was evident on the faces and smiles of the paddlers as they rounded corners, avoided obstacles and bounced through wave trains and rapids.
East Rand Kayak members were out in full force as even the dormant paddlers were back in training before the Fish River Canoe Marathon in October (80km). There were a number of first-time river racers hoping to earn enough points and qualification.
Dean Conrad from Kempton Park, while a relatively new paddler on rivers, thoroughly enjoyed his race as preparation for the A grade Fish River event. He finished in a time of two hours and 18 minutes.
