Reigning world K1 marathon Champion and Salt Rock resident Hank McGregor won two big race titles this weekend.
On Friday night, McGregor had to settle with sharing the spoils of 2014 Varsity College Marine Surfski Series with Matt Bouman. He then travelled inland on Sunday and won the Stihl Umkomaas Canoe marathon with his race partner Grant van der Walt.
In the first race of the weekend, McGregor was beaten by Bouman in the Varsity College Surfski Challenge on Friday to force a series tie.
McGregor already had five race victories in the series while Bouman had four series wins under his belt. This meant Friday’s race left everything to paddle for.
The tough surf conditions sent several paddlers out of their boats, including McGregor which left him playing catch-up the whole race. He finished in second place. McGregor ended off his weekend with a win as
he and his race partner Grant van der Walt sealed their status as the premier canoeing crew in the country with a fourth victory at the Umkomaas Canoe marathon.
The win was McGregor’s fifth Umkomaas title and he believes paddlers have been missing out on an awesome event.
“Grant and I spoke about it on the river today. It takes a little bit of confidence but paddlers really must come off their Dusi season looking to test out the Umkomaas. With the right boat and the right equipment you will have a fantastic time out,” said McGregor.
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