Engelbrecht podiums in category at SA champs
He was the second sub-grandmaster at the finish.
East Rand Kayaking (ERK) paddler Pieter Engelbrecht showed incredible strength to grab the silver in the sub-grandmasters category during the 50km Orange Descent K1 SA champs on the Orange River on November 9 and 10.
Representing the Gauteng Canoe Union (GCU), the veteran canoeist completed the 23km day one distance, which started at Die Punt Resort in Keimos and finished at Die Mas Resort in Kakamas, in 01:53:13.82.
He clocked 02:14:46.25 on day two, which was a 27km descent from Sakie Se Akie in Upington to Orange Rus in Kanoneiland, to finish the race in a combined 04:08:00.07 for 12th place overall and second in his category.
The event was won by top paddler Havish Lovemore, who cut the tape in 03:49:10.36 while his brother Thomas was second. The GCU’s Wally Fisher rounded-up the podium in 03:55:54.80.
Stephanie von der Heyde clinched the women’s title after crossing the line in 04:25:24.66. Bianca Beavitt was second in 04:33:19.82 while Ansune Basson completed the top three in 04:41:06.15.
“Well done to all the GCU paddlers who enjoyed the Orange River Descent. Congratulations to all the winners,” said GCU PRO Jennie Dallas.
