Springs based learner paddler enjoys learning
A river introduction canoeing outing, known as a river trip, took place September 9 on the Vaal in Parys.
A river introduction canoeing outing, known as a river trip, took place September 9 on the Vaal in Parys.
A river trip is not an official race and is meant to introduce new paddlers with good flat-water canoeing and swimming abilities to the river and the rapids.
Johan Grabe, a safety officer at the Benoni-based canoe club known as ERK (East Rand Kayak / EkuRhuleni Kayak) arranged a river trip introduction for members of the club based at Homestead Dam. Included is Tye Wood, who is based in Springs.
Jennie Dallas of the Gauteng Canoe Union said members from other canoe clubs also joined the group – making up a merry crowd.
“Also included were a few school boys from the Ridge in Westcliff, a ladies group which included Astrid Bredencamp, and others from Boksburg and Kempton Park,” she added.
With the Liebensbergvlei river race coming up the next weekend (September 15-17) from Reitz to Tweeling near Frankfort, newer paddlers would need to learn basic river skills and be signed off as competent and proficient to enter any river race along with the professionals.
“It is usually advisable that new river paddlers team up with an experienced partner for their first couple of river races while they are still learning and mastering, all the new things techniques and river reading skills,” explained Dallas.
The sport of canoeing involves a number of different disciplines. Canoe racing has K1 or K2 (single kayak, double kayak or even three or four-man kayaks).
While paddlers first learn basic canoeing skills including balance, steering, and racing (and that includes recovery from swims with boat and paddle intact!), on flat water like dams or lakes, after a year or two some paddlers want to look for adventure.
This is when they consider the option of learning how to canoe on rivers – through rocks, down rapids, drops over rocky shelves like waterfalls, and through wave trains.
Dallas said that while the basic techniques remain the same, it is essential to learn how to read a river, to avoid potential danger and how to steer and paddle through the rocky patches and shallow sections. They learn how to navigate the currents successfully to be able to race.
“It is important for the safety officer to highlight potential dangers on a river, how to avoid them, and what to do if stuck in a situation one should have avoided. This enhances safety on rivers,” she added.
Requirements to enter a river race specify that the paddlers must participate in a river introduction session where they can be taught safety practices, and be able to demonstrate their ability to manage in the rivers and the rapids.
A proficiency competency sign-off is required by a safety officer, who is recognised by Canoeing South Africa, and/or GautengCanoeUnion.
