Getting ready for the grueling Fish River Marathon
Gauteng paddlers will head for Mpumalanga this upcoming weekend
BENONI-based East Rand Kayak Club on Saturday hosted the last river race in Gauteng to prepare paddlers for the upcoming A Grade Hansa Fish River Marathon.
The race took place from the Vaal Dam wall to Three Rivers, a distance of some 33km, including a number of highly challenging river rapids and 26km of hard flat water.
Also read:
• Canoeists show their strength at Homestead Dam
The river races also provide opportunities for paddlers to gain qualifying points for A grade status in order to participate at the upcoming A grade events.
Stephen Robertson of Kempton Park is one of the upcoming learner canoeists earning his grading, experience and river knowledge with experienced partner Leon Marais.
As hosts of the canoe river race, numerous members of the local canoe club were required to work as marshals on the river for directional guidance or safety and assistance when required, as well as sweep the back of the race to ensure all paddlers arrive safely at the finish.
Gauteng paddlers will head for Mpumalanga this upcoming weekend to participate in a canoe race on the Crocodile River in the Lowveld, and there will be a final 15km flat water race on Homestead Dam on October 2 before the paddlers head for the Eastern Cape and the guaranteed white water Fish River Marathon.
