Randburg paddlers enjoy the High Altitude Surf Ski Race
Emmarentia Dam hosted their annual High Altitude Surf Ski Race, which paddlers from across the country enjoyed.
Randburg-based paddlers took part in the annual High Altitude Surf Ski Race that was hosted at Emmarentia Dam, on April 14.
A contingent of highly experienced top-achieving paddlers drove up from the coast with surf skis on trailers to enjoy the race. The idea took off a few years ago when surf waves were created using jet skis/motorboats etc.
The Gauteng paddlers thoroughly enjoyed the 10km race. There were also casual races for the less fit and young participants. It was also an enjoyable social event and well supported – with several paddlers also dressing up in various costumes to add to the enjoyment.
Bordeaux-based Michelle Reitsma and a paddler at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club explained that the event is much anticipated by surf ski paddlers from around the country.
“It was a wonderful experience with over 100 entries. I was on the giant SUP (stand-up paddle board) along with some other Dabs Darlings and enjoyed it immensely. It is unique that nowhere else in landlocked JHB will you find a race with ocean conditions that celebrates surf ski paddling. It draws paddlers from all over the country who make a special effort to get here. There is also a much-anticipated afterparty every year which draws the crowds.
Chantelle Fraser a resident of Rand Park Ridge partnered up with Mark Lewin who is involved in manufacturing kayaks and surf skis. They enjoyed their 10km race finishing in a time of 00:54:13.
She explained that the event is something she looks forward to each year and it was her third time doing the event.
“I come from Durban so I love the ocean and waves of course. This is the closest we get to waves in Joburg so I have a smile on my face from start to finish. We finished in 00:54:13 which was a personal best for me so I’m very proud of the time and grateful that I had the opportunity to paddle with such an experienced partner.”
She added that there were no challenges, she had a great partner and they had a strong paddle from start to finish.
“Mark is not a big talker. We paddled hard, I followed his pace and we did well. We paddled in Mark’s surf ski and it felt like we were just sliding through the water.”
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