Canoeists prepare for the winter trials
Trevor Smith and Wikus Loots, once again topped the time sheets with Gustav Smook being the most consistently competitive canoeist during the summer trials.
The Lowveld Canoe Club (LCC) experienced another thrilling summer trial series with paddlers competing in the warmer Lowveld water for the best times in the club.
A total of 29 summer trials were held during the season with the first taking place on September 2, 2014 at the Longmere Dam and the final trial on March 31, 2015. The time trials took place each Tuesday.
“Summer TT is also different to winter as its warm, light and generally draws excellent turnouts. It also coincides with the river race calendar. Winter is cold and dark and focuses on marathon (flat water) paddling,” said Craig Lewis, chairman of LCC.
According to Trevor Smith of LCC, every summer time trial is an individual event and not a point system that they implement for the winter league. “We organise a winter league with a point system and prizes for first, second, and third positions as an incentive to encourage paddling on the dark, cold, winter nights,” he stated.
One of the highlights this past summer included the year-end trials where an incredible 38 finishes were recorded. Husbands, their wives and family relatives partnered up with Roger and Charlotte Mortlock taking the honours for best time on the evening.
The family atmosphere and sportsmanship are unique to this club and fit in perfectly during the warmer summer trial conditions.
Regular achievers Roger Mortlock,
Trevor Smith and Wikus Loots, once again topped the time sheets with Gustav Smook being the most consistently competitive canoeist during the summer trials.
The first winter trial started on April 7, 2015 with trials taking place each Tuesday evening.
