The TRAC Lowveld Croc Canoe Marathon once again lived up to its reputation as South Africa’s wildest and most technical river race.

Held on Sunday, October 26, the event drew a total of 58 hardy paddlers from across the country to take on the Crocodile River’s legendary rapids through the scenic Schoemanskloof.

Starting just below the Kwena Dam and finishing 30km downstream at Terblanche Farm near Old Joe’s Kaia, the Croc offers more than just a race – it’s an adventure into untamed territory. Since its inception in 1962, the event has tested both the skill and spirit of canoeists, demanding courage, balance, and possibly, a touch of madness.

While canoeing has faced challenges due to suspect water quality in many South African rivers, the Inkomati-Usutu Catchment Management Agency deserves credit for keeping the Crocodile River clean and vibrant. The result? A race on a river teeming with life. One paddler even spotted a sleek otter ducking between rocks, while another paused mid-race to admire a flash of green and crimson – a Narina trogon in the overhanging trees.

The day before the race served as a test run for competitors to get acquainted with the river’s moods. For some, it was an early lesson in humility. Several paddlers “came unstuck”, finding themselves bushwhacking to safety through thick Lowveld jungle after unexpected encounters with rocks, rapids and gravity.

When race day dawned, it was clear the river wasn’t going to make things easy. The infamous Weir of Shame, just below the start, claimed its usual share of victims to the delight of spectators who gathered to cheer (and chuckle) from the banks. Larger rapids with innocuous names such as Number 14, O’Connor’s Corner and Carisbrooke did more damage later on.

Despite some chaos, skill and determination prevailed. Bradley Boulle emerged victorious 01:59:26, snatching the win by a mere eight seconds ahead of seasoned champion Clinton Cook.

In recognition of the true magnanimous spirit shown by the top contenders, Cook also received the sportsmanship trophy. Jack de Swart of Dabulamanzi Canoe Club rounded out the podium in third place in 02:01:59.

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For his effort, Boulle walked away with R15 000 in prize money and a two-night stay at the luxurious Mbizane Lodge, where the prize-giving later took place.

The first woman home, Amy Hulett, drew special admiration. Small in stature but immense in grit, Hulett proved that courage, not size, defines a paddler, with a time of 02:37:56. Her calm, focused approach to the river’s fury was a masterclass in determination, inspiring both competitors and spectators alike.

As always, the post-race prize-giving provided a chance for paddlers to relive the adventure – swapping tales of being “plucked” from their boats by thorn trees, capsizing owing to submerged rocks, and facing hippo-sized boulders. In keeping with the event’s environmental ethos, each finisher received a small tree from eGrow Nursery, symbolising growth, endurance and respect for nature.

Not everyone made it to the finish, though. South African canoeing representative, Luke Salmon, whose boat cracked at Sterkdoorn Weir after just 10km, had to hitch a ride out of the valley – a reminder that in the Croc, the river always has the final say. Fortunately, the Lowveld Canoe Club’s sweep team, following in inflatable rescue craft, ensured that every paddler made it safely back to dry land.

After more than six decades, the TRAC Croc Canoe Marathon remains a unique blend of competition, camaraderie and conservation – a celebration of wild water, strong hearts, and the untamable spirit of South African paddlers.