Blairgowrie paddler to representy SA at World Sprint Championships again

Blairgowrie based Alexa Godden was among paddlers from throughout South Africa who took part in the Sprint Championships at Roodeplaat dam between April 4 and 6.

A number of Gauteng paddlers, in all ages from U8 through to great grand masters (80 years age), participated at the event.

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Godden participated in the senior women’s age category and won in both the 200m category, as well as the 5 000m long distance event, earning her selection to the World Sprint Championships. She has been selected for the SA team every year since 2021.

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A week after her selection she partnered with her father, James Godden, to ‘enjoy’ the waves and ‘surf’ at the annual High Altitude Surf Ski Championships (HASSC) held at Emmarentia Dam.

Jennie Dallas, Gauteng Canoe Union media liaison, explained that the event was made for fun, and was less competitive. “Dabulamanzi Canoe Club members decided, some years ago, that those who cannot regularly go to the coastal towns, and enjoy the surf, should have the opportunity to enjoy the waves and be splashed at Emmarentia Dam. It has become an extremely popular and well supported event.”

The Blairgowrie father and daughter team finished 13th, in a time of 00:51:34, having lots of fun and laughs.

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