Paddlers to compete in the exciting Surfski Oocean Canoe Race
Ten years ago the first inland high-altitude Surf-ski Team Trials race was hosted and became extremely popular among paddlers of different ages and abilities.
A number of canoeists who enjoy white-water paddling often make their way down to the coast to participate in surf-ski canoe races on the beautiful ocean.
Many canoeists from the Florida Lake Canoe Club take part in the races. All Gauteng-based paddlers are required to participate in a trial in order to represent their province at the upcoming Surf-ski National Championships. Ten years ago the first inland high-altitude Surf-ski Team Trials race was hosted and became extremely popular among paddlers of different ages and abilities.
This year’s team trials took place at Emmarentia Dam on Saturday, 14 March where paddlers had to complete the 10km course. The trials included various obstacles that will be encountered on the ocean, and produced the challenging surf conditions by using motorboats and jet-ski motors.
The top finishers in both the men’s and ladies category were in fact world champion canoeists, and multiple gold medallists in international marathon racing as well as surf-ski racing, Hank McGregor and Hayley Nixon.
A Florida Lake Canoe Club member, Simon Lishman and paddler Greg Mandy, showed off their skills in the enjoyable event and finished in the Top 20, with an excellent completion time of 52 minutes.
