Youngsters make the dam their own
EMMARENTIA – Young canoeists make waves at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club's holiday training clinic.
There was plenty of splashing, mostly from paddles but sometimes from canoes capsizing as children had fun at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club‘s holiday training clinic.
Former canoeing world champion and Olympic medalist, Atilla Adrovicz oversaw the clinic which was held at Emmarentia Dam from 6 to 14 January.
The weather was mostly warm and sunny over the week and canoeists took to the water with smiles and energy helped by the snacks and cake they enjoyed between sprints and endurance paddles each day.
“This is the third time we have had a holiday clinic and we want to have three every year – in summer, autumn and winter,” Adrovicz said.
“Each clinic is bigger and better and we are seeing about 20 children every day.”
The canoeing legend explained he had divided the clinic into two age groups – youngsters up to the age of 12, and paddlers from 12 to 16.
Fitness was a focus for both groups, as it was important for river and endurance canoeists and also helped sprint canoeists.
High-performance canoeists also did physical exercises to build muscle, but there was no pressure to do more than anyone felt they could during the training clinic.
Then it was all about perfecting technique and building endurance ahead of the school league which kicks off in February.
“We have the Olympic Hopes Sprint in Hungary in September and the South African U15 to U17 teams will be chosen in April, so we are working towards that too. Going to that will be great experience ahead of the 2021 International Canoe Federation Junior World Championships.”
Adrovicz said his aim as head coach at Dabs was to develop canoeists, and especially younger canoeists.
“We are working closely with schools and I coach over 100 children every week. Parents often join up as a result of their children taking up the sport.”
Adrovicz hosts coaching for beginners every Saturday from 9am to 11am for people of all ages. He invited anyone interested in canoeing to contact him or attend a class.
Details: Atilla Adrovicz adrocoach@gmail.com; 072 122 6013.
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