Florida Lake kayakers paths’ come full circle
With the dawn of the new South Africa, Florida Lake Canoe Club embarked on a mission to bring the excitement of river rafting to those who had previously been denied the chance.
Every journey has a start point with yesterday’s beginners becoming tomorrow’s masters. Two avid kayakers are looking back fondly at their memories on the rapids but still focused on the coming turns.
With the dawn of the new South Africa, Florida Lake Canoe Club embarked on a mission to bring the excitement of river rafting to those who had previously been denied the chance. “The goal for Canoe South Africa and Gauteng Canoe Union was to integrate the sport of kayaking and we were enthusiastic supporters of the new programmes,” said Jennie Dallas, who has been giving up her weekends to teach young aspiring rafters for over 20 years.
From that community youth development programme came two of Florida Lake Canoe Club’s brightest stars. Chiliboy Mumburu and Moshe Nghomane have had the opportunity to participate in several marquee river races including the Fish River Marathon 80km in Cradock and the Dusi Canoe Marathon 120km between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
The pair are now paying it forward as they have gone on coaching and safety courses which now enable them to train those looking to walk their path. “They are now able to use those skills to teach, demonstrate and assist new learner paddlers by introducing them to rapids and the exhilarating fun that they can experience in nature,” said Jennie.
Between Moshe and Chiliboy, Florida Lake Canoe Club have two steady hands who make light work of the fierce rapids, all for the benefit of newcomers. Confident in the men’s abilities, Jennie continued, “The new paddlers can comfortably sit at the back of the double kayak and they are not overwhelmed by the new experience”. After learning the tips and tricks of the treacherous rapids, Moshe and Chiliboy are ready to take the youth under their paddles.
