Challenging the rapids
Springsite JOhan Nel participated in the Vaal River SA K2 Championships doubles canoe race.
Springs-based paddlers were among the local canoeists who recently jumped at the opportunity to race in the Vaal River SA K2 Championships doubles canoe race.
The 80km race started on November 2, below the Vaal Dam Wall, with day two on November 3 beginning below the Vaal River Barrage to end upriver from Parys, at Smiling Thru holiday resort.
Springs’ Tommy Booth’s partner was only available for one day of the race and he therefore had to change boats to finish the second day which effectively removed him from the results.
Johan Nel, also from Springs, welcomed the opportunity for a last minute paddling partnership with Benoni-based Chris Rowe whose partner was unable to take part.
“Although we were beaten by the very best South African canoeists, we thoroughly enjoyed the challenging river rapids,” says Johan.
This canoeing partnership finished the race as the 75th double, in a time of 06:18 minutes, with and against some of the world’s best canoeists.
The World Marathon Champion of 2013, Hank McGregor, took the gold having achieved every other canoeing title in South Africa for marathons, sprints and surfski.
Nationally and internationally acclaimed Len Jenkins and Greg Louw set the pace during much of the race but fell behind Dusi legends Andy Birkett and Siboni Zondi early on the second day of the race.
They managed to sneak ahead of them in the last rapid of the race, 400m from the finish and claimed the silver medal.
In the women’s race, SA top female river racer, Abby Adie partnered with Donna Tutton to clinch the national K2 crown.
Johan says although it was a tough race with a powerful field, there were fun rapids, beautiful scenery and great camaraderie.
“This was a first for me, but I will definitely do it again,” concludes Johan.
