Paddling with a purpose
MIDRAND - Gauteng paddlers, including six Midrand locals, were thrilled to race against some of the top South African paddlers at the Euro Steel Crocodile River Race in preparation for the upcoming FNB Dusi endurance event in February.
World marathon champions, World Surfski Series champions, multiple Dusi winners and South African title holders, Hank McGregor, Jasper Mocke, Andy Birkett and Lance Kime’s highly respected abilities were a great draw card to the local river race, forming the Euro Steel team.
The race, hosted by Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, took place from Heron Bridge Farm through to the Lanseria area on the Jukskei River on 16 and 17 January. The water level was superb due to the week’s rains.
Paddlers enjoyed the opportunity to train for the Dusi on the demanding river. They paddled 35km on the first day, and 16lm on the second day, as well as 8km of portaging where the paddlers become runners, carrying their boats up gruelling hills and across the fields of the Kentucky Stud Farm.
While a number of paddlers withdrew after the first day due to boat damage in the fast flowing river, finishers included Midrand’s own Raymond Rorich and Michael Kirkby who won the sub veteran age group category K2 podium in a time of 4:25:00. Also from Midrand was Duncan James and Andrew Molver, who finished successfully in a time of 4:42:00, while John Greeff and Byron Post finished in a time of 5:49:00.
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