“The river was in full flood with participants paddling over low level bridges, and the running portage took place around the Henley Kidson Weir for safety in grasslands on the banks that were saturated and swamplike,” said Jennie Dallas, a spokesperson for the Gauteng Canoe Union.

“While some of the rapids flattened out with no rocks in sight and easier to maneuver than usual, others were very challenging with powerful waves tossing the boats up in the air, which resulted in a number of swimmers, and a few broken boats – a very challenging, exciting river race, perhaps on par with what can be expected from a full Dusi in March since Inanda dam is full to capacity!” said Dallas.

The local Heineken factory generously donated cases of 0% alcohol, which turned out to be extremely refreshing beers for the exhausted paddlers, as well as some promotional corporate gifts as prizes at the race.

The first and top finisher was Sowetan, Siseko Ntondini holding on to his seeding as top Gauteng paddler, and the first lady finisher was also Sowetan based junior Under 18, Tinyiko Mahwayi.

There were paddlers from all areas of Gauteng – some wanting points for A grade status, or hoping for a seeding for a good start at Dusi, and some just to enjoy the big water and huge rapid waves.

Kobus Filmalter from Vanderbijlpark’s canoe club on the banks of the Vaal river, is no stranger to white water and big rapids.

As an extremely experienced river paddler, Filmalter could not resist the excitement of the high river, and while he was not available to do both days of the race, he enjoyed the one day he was available to participate.

He did not require qualifying points as he is already a long time A grade paddler with experience on the major rivers in SA.

He finished his 1 day race on the Midvaal Klip river, in 2 hours 23 minutes, as the 3rd Sub Master age group category.