A Grade canoe stars
The Belloord Klip River canoe race, the final qualifying race for A Grade status, took place recently - and River Club's Adrian Diamond made the grade.
A few months ago Diamond accepted a friend’s challenge to take on next year’s Dusi River canoe marathon, the worlds toughest endurance canoeing race.
Besides having to learn how to balance in a canoe without falling over, Diamond has had to go on a highly-committed exercise regime to gain stamina and build muscle, as well as learning to navigate canoe rivers and rapids.
In order to participate in the Dusi, extensive river reading and practical experience is required, and the first step is obtaining river proficiency certification, and participating in the six qualifying races for A Grade status.
Diamond obtained his A Grade status by finishing the last of the six races, the Belloord Klip River race, together with partner Chad Andrews.
They finished the race, covering the 22 kms, in 1:45 as the 29th double canoe.
