Paddlers brave tough river conditions in Vaal River Canoe Marathon
Canoeists faced rocky and shallow sections of the Vaal River during the annual Vaal River Canoe Marathon, which went ahead despite challenging water levels after being postponed due to flooding.
The traditional Vaal River Canoe Marathon from the Vaal Dam wall to near Parys has been hosted for many years and serves as excellent training preparation for the fitness required for the Dusi Canoe Marathon, which takes place in February.
The marathon was originally scheduled for December but was postponed due to excessive flooding of the river at the time.
With all sluice gates open, conditions were deemed dangerous for water sports.
The event was subsequently rescheduled for the last weekend of January. Unfortunately, the water level was extremely low and rocky, and organisers were unable to obtain a water release from the dam wall for the event.
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“Paddlers were frequently grinding over rocks or stones in various sections of the river, which can cause boat damage and result in lower participation in the event, which covered distances of 34km and 37km per day.
“This certainly slowed their times. Paddlers occasionally had to get out and wade through the shallow, rocky sections while carrying their boats, with some participants only taking part in one of the days of the marathon training event.
“The race nevertheless went ahead and was enjoyed by participants, supporters and organisers despite the various challenges,” said one of the organisers.
Most paddlers who participated thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and were pleased to be back on the river.
“The race started at Rapid’s Paradise with a festive and excited atmosphere and finished on the first day at Albatross Ski Boat Club in Three Rivers. On day two it started at Eden Manor below the Barrage and finished at Umfula Lodge.”
The first finishers on both days were Siseko Ntondini, partnered with the younger yet experienced Benjamin Mntonintshi, in a time of 2 hours 37 minutes on day one and 2 hours 49 minutes on day two, for a total time of 5 hours 26 minutes.
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Highly experienced paddler Robert Crichton from Gauteng and his KZN partner Marco Magni finished second in the first veteran age category with a total time of 5 hours 30 minutes, while the third-place finishers crossed the line in 5 hours 40 minutes. Mark Garden and Sibusiso Chwayi, part of a younger group of paddlers, followed soon after.
Ethan Cockram and Sikhanyisele Dekeda were the first U23 paddlers home, with a combined time of 5 hours 41 minutes.
They were followed by the first U18 team, finishing in 5 hours 59 minutes.
