The canoeing season ended in grand style with the Umkomaas Canoe Marathon taking place on March 15 and 16.
The race coincided with a good level of water (1.7 m) and glorious weather.
There was a field of 105 boats that started at Josephine’s Bridge outside Richmond and ended the first day 35km downstream at Riverside.
The water level was perfect and times were good. All competitors completed this leg of the race.
Day two saw the race starting at Hella-Hella for top 32km leg.
This is a tremendously exciting section of river with big rapids and tons of water flowing in majestic gorges.
The river took its toll on boats and most teams had some swims in the big water.
Weston Grade 12 Robert Winter, paddling with Old Westonian Murray van Wyk, finished the race in 52nd position and a time of 5.0 5 hours, despite encountering a few setbacks and hazards including having a swim at number 5/6 and damaging their boat.
Weston Principal Paul Tait, who is an accomplished canoeist and paddles with school’s canoeists, commented that this race was a great achievement.
He also expressed his thanks to the “canoe boys” for a fun season that they had experienced and added that he had enjoyed paddling with them.
He added: “Thanks Rob for your captaincy of the team, you did a great job!”
Robert recently completed the demanding Non-Stop Dusi Race in 12 hours.