Learn to canoe at Florida Lake
Learners must be able to swim in deep water where they can not touch the bottom.
In the wake of the highly successful community project at Florida Lake, the Florida Lake Canoe Club (FLCC)will be hosting open canoeing sessions as introductions to canoeing, free of charge, throughout November on Sundays at 2pm.
Christian van Eyssen from Krugersdorp and his partner Gabriel van Zyl, both Comrades runners, have set their sights on completing a Dusi river race – a race that is known as the world’s toughest endurance event, favouring strong runners over canoeists in the successes.
The friends have been attending learner sessions at Florida Lake for some months to practise on the flat water while their wives and children relax and enjoy a picnic, feed the ducks or play on the safe secure grounds of the club.
They enjoyed their first introduction to rivers with experienced, trained river guide paddlers to partner with while they learn the basics.
New learners are advised to wear light, thin clothing such as nylon soccer tops or surfshorts, old thin-soled takkies to protect feet from sharp rocks in case of falling into the water, hats, sunscreen and a change of clothes. Learners must be able to swim in deep water where they can not touch the bottom – life jackets are provided to assist.
Family members are welcome to come along to watch and take photos of the exciting and humorous activities. While refreshments will be on sale, families also can bring their own picnic bags.
Entry is on Eisteddfod Lane off Hamburg Road at the intersection of West Lake Avenue, and safe and secure parking is available.
Canoeists can paddle on flat water, dams or lakes in races, and many young children participate in the regular school league races. Those who are adventurous may want to learn river skills to be able to shoot rapids.
