WATUNI Canoe Club in Vanderbijlpark hosted the Akzonobel River Race on May 6. It was the first race of the new river season, which commenced on April 1.
The river season peaks at the end of March, with the best racing period being from December, the rainy season, which ensures hat the rivers are pumping huge amounts of water and the rapids are challenging and exciting.
In winter the river water levels are lower and sluggish and the rapids are manageable, so they are ideal for new learner paddlers to gain skills and ability. It also allows them to make mistakes in easier conditions.
Keith Beeston from the South and a member of the Johannesburg Canoe Club, based at Wemmer Pan, partnered with John Rowan to win the Grand Master age category in a time of 1:44 (Grand Masters are 60 years and older). The pair have been paddling for many years and have extensive experience on the rivers.
Canoeing is known to be a sport gentle on older persons as it is relatively stress free and equally balanced left and right, which develops a strong core base group of muscles. Unlike running, where the body takes strain from continuing pounding on knees, joints and back, canoeing for older paddlers is relatively injury free. And all rivers run downhill, so no uphills!
The race started in Henley-on-Klip at The Makery event venue and finished in Meyerton – a distance of 20km – with numerous rapids and obstacles to overcome.
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