Construction worker tries canoeing for the first time
Although winter is not the best time to learn, Butch from Randfontein was one of many to try it out in Roodepoort recently.
At the age of nearly 70, Butch Grobbelaar from Randfontein is not afraid to try something new. In his case it is racing in a canoe!
Although winter is not the best time to learn, some old-timers weren’t scared of the cold or the water and Butch was one of many learners from all over the West Rand introduced to canoeing at Florida Lake in Roodepoort recently.
There beginners were assisted to master the skills of the sport, which takes some commitment and perseverance.
Butch works in the construction industry and last year completed both the Iron Man and Comrades.
“When Butch was advised he was not yet ready to take on rivers – having only paddled in a racing canoe a few times at the lake on flat water – he was determined to master the currents, flowing water and bubblies as well as the daunting rapids on the Klip River in Meyerton during a learner introduction trip arranged by the club on Sunday, 27 May,” said Jennie Dallas of the Florida Lake Canoe Club (FLCC).
She added that along with numerous other learners and first-timers on the river, he swam and recovered a number of times and mastered a number of rapids, including the one in the photo known as Double Drop.
Butch is planning to keep learning and training in order to complete a Dusi – the world’s toughest canoe endurance marathon, which takes place from Pietermaritzburg to Durban annually in February. However, it requires A-grade river grading and at least a year of preparation, to master river reading and coping skills.
I think he will do it; it doesn’t look like he will be intimidated or put off easily,” Jennie added.
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