A not so friendly race
DUNKELD - Dabulamanzi Canoe club members Simon Spooner and Mark Jaspan joined other paddlers at the Heidelberg bridge on the Klip river for the long 40km trek to Dick Fourie stadium in Three Rivers on 30 August.
Despite dire predictions of a freezing cold weekend, the day turned out to be a pleasant, warm, wind-free and enjoyable spring day.
The race was hosted by the East Rand Kayak club based at Homestead Dam in Ekurhuleni.
Spooner from Robindale, Randburg has been paddling for a couple of years and has successfully achieved a number of major A grade races to date.
First time novice and Dunkeld West resident, Jaspan partnered up with Spooner to help him qualify for the Hansa Fish A grade marathon race.
The pair did have a few unnecessary avoidable swims from time to time, however the only real problem they experienced was a snapped rudder cable which could have resulted in them not being able to finish the long race.
The sweep support team were able to use connectors and repair the cable, and the pair managed to finish their epic race.
While exhausted and tired five hours after the start, Jaspan was able to confirm his first qualifying point for A grade river status.
“At least I know the other qualifying races can’t possibly be as difficult as this long one, and from here on the races will be easier and more manageable,” he said. Spooner quipped, “That’s what friends are for.”
