Local paddler reflects on her journey so far, and her hopes to compete internationally

With the aim of doing all the things she loves after divorce, Gabriela van Rooyen reinvented herself and took back the paddling she once crossed paths with at varsity.

Read more: Local canoeist called up for the Olympic Hopes

Her first South African Marathon Championship, at Hazeldene KZN three years ago, remains her favourite competition. “It was a last-minute entry as I was just off antibiotics. I was still a beginner paddler. People were so friendly and supportive.”

She has since been involved in many different competitions including the recent Accelera Digital Group (ADG) Vaal River Race marathon. She finished 26th overall, fifth in the mixed doubles category, and third in sub master age category. They narrowly missed the podium in mixed doubles by 27 seconds.

“We were just behind them on day one, before the shoot. We had to paddle strongly to catch up at the final, and managed to get a four-minute lead by the end of day one. Unfortunately, we lost our waves from paddling with other boats after the first rapid, and had to catch up on our own. With a slightly leaky boat, and without pumps, we tried to catch up, counting all the boats we passed as it’s a time game. As both days times get added together for a final time, we might have not finished 27 seconds apart physically, but that’s how close it was.”

Also read: Local paddlers enjoy canoe marathon

Gabriela is putting in the work to stay ready for competitions. She works out at least three to five times a week, including running, weight training, and doing races.

She explained that getting the right boat and partner for the race can be tricky, and with limited finances, it can be one of her biggest challenges.

“Finding time to practice and pay for the races and find boats to paddle in can be difficult. Being a single mother is tricky. I have two kids financially dependent on me. Boats that the top paddlers use are R60 000 to R100 000, depending on if it’s a K1 or K2. Also, most boats are made for males, who have longer legs, and they’re bigger boats, as they are mainly heavier.”

She dreams to compete internationally, for woman 50 and over. The sport has taught her to not underestimate herself.

“I have learnt that training is essential. Helping others on your journey is key. You are your own best and worst enemy, and positive thinking and to keep going when it’s difficult.”

She also did a white-water rescue course in Parys. She was taught how to save people using different techniques and read the river.

She added that breathing helps with controlling fear and nerves. She uses breathing mindfulness when starting a big race, it takes the stress away and lets her focus on what she is doing.

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