Local boy top canoeist

He also received the top achiever trophy in the U12 category at the annual prize-giving, after the final race of the year.

Van der Merwe accumulated more than 200 points in races that he participated in and won throughout the year, which were credited to both his club and his school, Charter House Primary School. With his help, the school finished ninth on the school log.

The final race in the league for the year took place at Florida Lake in Roodepoort on 16 November.

With over 100 participating paddlers throughout the year, the league has grown exponentially and races have been hosted on a monthly basis at various lakes and dams throughout the region.