DURBAN is certainly living up to its ‘home of surfski’ tag after the confirmation that the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships, which starts this week, has attracted a total of 515 entrants.

The number is made up of local and international paddlers.

The race starts at the Durban Undersea Club and is set to take place within the three-day race window (Friday, October 17 to Sunday, October 19).

Due to the predicted weather, wind and wave conditions, the event committee confirmed the mixed doubles (SS2) race will be held on Saturday, and singles (SS1) race on Sunday.

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Under the watchful eye of race director and local resident Colin Simpkins, the organising committee also involves a number of North Durban residents, including Wally Bodin (Sunningdale) and Neels Meyer (Durban North).

While handling their different portfolios of transport, logistics and accommodation and harbour liaison, the pair will both be competing at the champs.

“I’m certainly not a contender but I will be competing in the SS1 and SS2 categories in the masters division. What we as an organising committee are most pleased about is that number of entries. It is just what we wanted as this is the first time Durban has ever hosted the world champs,” Bodin explained.

“The response from the overseas community in particular has been pleasing. What makes this world champs unique is the start is staying the same, at DUC, whichever direction we have to go. We boast a wealth of paddling talents in KZN which only bodes well for the competition.”

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Meyer, who is the harbour liaison, is one of eight organisers involved in the logistical set-up of the world champs.

“I work in the logistics industry which is why one of my portfolios is harbour liaison. If the race does go south, paddlers will have to cross the harbour mouth. Durban Harbour is a working harbour so there is a strict protocol to follow. There will also be 12 safety boats along the route from DUC to help guide and protect the paddlers in the race. Safety is paramount and something we are taking very seriously. Logistically everyone has worked extremely hard behind the scenes to ensure the champs are a success. The support we’ve received from the City, fellow paddlers and DUC has been monumental and we are looking forward to the champs,” Meyer said.

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