Canoeist exhilarated by river race
MIDRAND - Duncan James was exhilarated by the challenges and difficulty of The Lowveld River Race on 12 and 13 October.
James finished his first attempt in six hours four minutes, in 68th position, and is looking forward to his next opportunity to battle the river.
The A+ rated canoe marathon was hosted by the Lowveld Canoe Club which is based on the Crocodile River, Mpumalanga, and is one of the most difficult and technical river races held in South Africa.
Helmets were compulsory, as well as a Triple A river rating in order to compete.
With rapid flowing water released into the narrow river bed, the race is fast and furious; boat breaks are quick requiring superb river skills and fast reflexes.
One of the challenges for the Lowveld Canoe Club organisers and scouts was keeping the local hippo at a distance from the racers.
The canoe race consisted of 20km per day, and is growing in popularity as one of the most demanding and challenging races in the country: the top finishers are recognised by the Gauteng Canoe Union as the ‘K1 River Kings’
