Two Lowveld Canoe Club paddlers, Erichia Pretorius (42) and Colin Turner (54), represented South Africa at the 2026 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships, held in Costa Blanca, Spain, from October 9 to 11.

Both paddlers competed in the individual surfski race. Pretorius finished sixth in the women’s 40–44 age category, and Turner placed 55th in the men’s Masters 50–54 age category.

Dedicated preparation pays off

“Reaching the World Championships represented far more than simply competing in another race. For us, it was the result of nine months of dedicated preparation and structured training,” said Pretorius.

For Pretorius, the race was particularly meaningful. It was her first major ocean race, an experience she said was both exciting and daunting.

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“When you put so much into preparing for something, you hope that everything will come together on the day,” she said. “I was so happy that it did. I felt strong and had the confidence to keep pushing myself further than I thought I could. It was incredibly rewarding to feel those months of training come together when it mattered the most.”

Journey matters more than medals

The experience left a lasting impression on both paddlers. For Pretorius and Turner, representing their country was a highlight of the journey. They added that participation is about more than winning medals; it is about committing to a goal and delivering consistent effort.

“The result is only part of the achievement. The real victory is in the months of discipline, the sacrifices and the person you become along the way,” said Pretorius.

Both paddlers extended their gratitude to their coaches, the Lowveld Canoe Club and everyone else who supported them on their journey.

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