Paddle action on waves at Emmerentia Dam
Among the paddlers attracted to the event, was top South African title holder, Hank McGregor
USING motorboats to create surf and turbulent waves, the world’s highest altitude surfski race took place at Emmarentia Dam on Saturday.
The 10km race attracted many Gauteng paddlers, including members of Ekurhuleni Kayak Club in Benoni.
For Gauteng surfski competitors, finding surf to enjoy usually entails a long drive to the coast. However, using motorboats and jet skis to create waves, they could enjoy the annual high altitude surfski race, hosted by Dabulamanzi Canoe Club.
Having deposited beach sand in the shallows where the dam water level is extremely low due to repairs on the dam wall, and with turbulent waves to enjoy, the race was a great success with paddlers enjoying the bumpy ride.
Among the paddlers attracted to the event, was top South African title holder, Hank McGregor, who won the race, as well as multiple Dusi winner, Andy Birkett, and the Olympic bronze medallist, Bridgitte Hartley, who won the women’s race with partner Sarah Saunders.
Nicholas Weeks and Tommy Booth from Ekurhuleni Kayak Club finished fourth in this highly talented field, finishing in 49 minutes.
