Paddle Mag 1 2017 February / March

Issue 1 2017

MEET THE WORLD CHAMP Hayley Nixon

Ready for Dusi?

Battle of the Sexes REVIEWED Drak Challenge Cape Point Challenge Seadog

Ask the Experts

NOTE FROM THE ED Firstly can I just start by saying “Thank you” for all the support in this new venture. I am grateful that as a number of you wrote in to say it is about time and much needed!

We received a number of queries asking if we were the new version of the old Canoeing South Africa publication. So instead of reprinting the letters we thought that we would answer the question for everybody. This is an entirely separate venture from CSA. We are not a subsidiary / they do not sit on our board of directors (we don’t have one!).

Although separate we would like to thank Dave Macleod and Colin Simpkins for their support and guidance in starting this venture.

We do however hold to a number of the values that CSA seeks to promote.

We admire you the paddler – who jumps out of bed to take on a new challenge every weekend.

This mag is dedicated to you the paddler. We are committed to seeing this sport grow, so it is our pleasure to highlight the work

IMAGE Cape Photographic Studio

that is being done in the various unions in terms of youth. We also acknowledge that without the significant help of individual and discipline sponsors our athletes would not be able to compete locally and on the international stage.

We constantly stand in awe of our athletes and 2016 was a fantastic year for them. The results we got in the various marathon champs in the run up to the World Marathon Champs and then Hank McGregor claiming his 8th gold was truly inspiring. To have both the men’s and women’s winners; Hank McGregor and Hayley Nixon of the World Surfski Series 2016 call South Africa home is a testament to the strength of paddling in this country. They are a source of inspiration to all of us. It should also be a call to action for all of us who believe in paddling to get behind our international competitors and support them in these tough economic times.

There have been some fantastic efforts to get people back in to paddling through series races. We are grateful to those who work to make this happen. Your tireless

efforts in providing great venues, easy entry and fantastic vibes are deeply appreciated.

As we look to the future of paddling we also have the opportunity to air various concerns. In this edition we look at the discrepancy between male and female earnings. Is it fair? Does it make sense? If you would like to see it change – how? We raise it because to the best of our knowledge the ladies do not get reduced entry fees, half price flights or cheaper accommodation simply because they are female. We are not alone in these discrepancies – just cast your eye over some of the other sports. We invite you to have your say on The Paddle Mag Facebook page or send a letter to us at thepaddlemag@gmail.com Lastly, we are in for a very exciting year! With the FNB Duzi Canoe Marathon only days away and the racing calendar already out for 2017 / 2018 it is time to get out there and paddle. If your province us been blessed to receive some much needed rain then this is the year to get out paddle somewhere new and take a friend with you – enjoy!

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A WORD FROM YOU...

Send your letters to thepaddlemag@gmail.com “Just a big shout out to the organisers of the PETE MARLIN RACE. It was well organised and we all had a great weekend. Pity the weather did not play ball but these things happen. Great that they changed things on Sunday for a fun race. Thank you we will be back in 2017!” Sue

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WINNING LETTER Can I just start by saying great mag. I guess I will straight to the point. Where have all the paddlers gone?

I read that they supported Hank’s series and the numbers for the Marine series at the beginning of the year looked good but we do not see them at the local races and they don’t seem to be going to other surfski races. Even the Fish and Duzi numbers looked down to me. Are they changing sports? Are they not doing anything?

Thanks Mark Ed. Glad you picked up on this, it is a huge concern for race organisers, sponsors and manufacturers that supply our sport. Different provinces have different answers, definitely something that we need to explore further.

Your letter wins you a copy of “SURFSKI – Training for Performance.”

by Kevin Brunette (Check him out on page 34 in our ask the expert section).

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! thepaddlemag@gmail.com

King of the Bay in Durban back in 2009, and this was JUST the doubles batch! Certainly a lot of boats on the water back then!

REGULARS

2 A WORD FROM YOU Reader letters

33 ASK THE EXPERTS

Kyle Friedenstein and Kevin Brunette answer your questions

35 CALENDARS

Canoeing and Surfski events around the country, get training and planning

39 VIEW FROM THE BACK OF THE BOAT

FEATURES 6 DRAK CHALLENGE 10 HAYLEY NIXON

Get to know the World Surfski Series Champ

16 SEADOG

Celebrating 150 races!

CONTRIBUTORS Kyle Friedenstein Kevin Brunette Craig Flanagan Janet Simpkins Jacci Freimond Rudling

20 CANOE DEVELOPMENT 101 First glimpse at what’s being done for our future champs

22 CAPE POINT CHALLENGE 28 DUSI CANOE MARATHON Hints and Tips for Seconders

32 BATTLE OF THE SEXES Taking a look at prize money

COVER IMAGE HAYLEY NIXON by Graham Daniel

PHOTOGRAPHY Graham Daniels John Hishin Michael MacLachlan Tessa Brunette

2017 N3TC Drak Challenge

To the delight of hundreds of paddlers the rains arrived in the Drakensburg Mountains which had them frantically dusting off their craft and entering the 2017 N3TC Drak Challenge. To their credit the race organisers also pulled out all the possible stops to ensure the paddlers had a time to remember.

Well the paddlers responded like flying ants after a good summer’s rain and with the news of potentially more rain on the way, there was much excitement on the drive up to Underberg. Added to this was the possibility of winning a K1 of your choice from Kayak Centre. Who would not want to

start their next big race in a brand new boat? The attendance at this race bucked the recent trend of declining numbers at multi-day events showing that if there is decent water and good organisation paddlers are keen to give it a go!

Luckily for some and not so lucky for others the forecast rain on Friday night did not arrive leaving the river at a manageable level 0 at Castleburn for the start of the race. So with nerves still on edge the paddlers set off from the crazy start that we all know and love to face what are arguably the toughest rapids in the first 10km of the race. Well,

IMAGES CGraham Daniel / 369Communications

fortune favours the brave and those that paddled promptly were rewarded with making around the rock or over the ledges in the rapids. The same cannot be said for those that took a more cautious route and got stuck in the low water or found themselves with insufficient speed to make the turn.

DAY 1

The paddlers set of in a chilly mist at the start of the race which fortunately lifted as the day went on. In the ladies race it was always an open race with the three top contenders equally qualified to take the win. On the banks there was EuroSteel’s Abby Solms who was the race favourite with six wins already under her belt, could she get a 7th? Next to her was Jenna Ward, a tough competitor who has shown tremendous fighting spirit in the last year. Would her tenacity and agility be the deciding factor in the end? Joining them was Bridgitte Hartley who is quickly becoming a contender for the top step. This was going to be an exciting race! It was Abby who took day 1 by just over two minutes to go into day 2 with Bridgitte close on her heels and lots of flat water ahead of them.

The men’s race was always going to be a two horse race with the World’s number one and two lining up next to each other. EuroSteel / Kayak Centre’s Hank McGregor has not won this race since 2012 while EuroSteel’s Andy Birkett has won every year since 2014. Would this year be different? As expected the two made an early break from the rest of the pack leaving them to fight it out until the end. Hank claimed day 1 by just getting his nose in front of Andy giving him the psychological advantage going in to day 2. Although a two horse race credit must be given to Owen Gandar for paddling largely on his own and still coming in in a very respectable minute and a half behind the leaders. The big surprise of the day was Hamish Lovemore the U18 paddler who came charging in to take 4th place in front of some well-known paddlers.

to the cheers and applause of the crowds. In the men’s race, it came down to the very last rapid in order to determine who would finally take home the crown.

This is the day that will be written in to the history books. Abby Solms proved she was simply untouchable once she had the potential victory in her sights. With the knowledge that she was being chased by a sprinter of note she pulled out all the stops and managed to gain another minute on Bridgitte over the first part of the course. With an assailable lead, Abby Solms darted over the finish line to claim a well deserved 7th win. Bridgitte Hartley came home in a very respectable 2nd place after an unfortunate swim in the second part of the race.

In the men’s race the epic battle picked up where it had left off the day before. With the two paddling powerhouses locked in battle all the way down the river. With less than a kilometre to go it was Andy Birkett who played his last hand with a massive sprint to try and break away from Hank McGregor.

The gamble paid off and he was able to hold off McGregor until the end and in so doing claim his 4th Drak Challenge Title.

DAY 2

This is the long day on the N3TC Drak Challenge.

At 39km it is a great tester of a person’s fitness and concentration levels. This makes it a fitting springboard to the Duzi in just over three weeks’ time. The paddlers start day 2 safe in the knowledge that the biggest rapids are behind them but they still have a number of wonderful rapids ahead of them. Day 2 is not without its thrills and spills which makes it a paddlers and spectator’s delight. One can pick and choose where to watch the action but the favourite is Glenhaven. This year did not disappoint

Banesti Nkhoesa

Nic Burden looking for a new line through the rocks

Abby Solms leading the way in the women’s race

Loveday Zondi showing how its done

Andy Birkett chasing down Hank McGregor

Bridgitte Hartley coming through in second

IMAGE CGraham Daniel / 369Communications

Hayley Nixon

World Surfski Champ

PM Firstly congratulations on winning the World Surf ski Series.

How does it feel?

HN It feels amazing and was quite surreal for a long time! It was definitely a late charge, and it was somewhat unexpected. I think that as South Africans we get exposed to two or three title races early on in the year which the Internationals are not doing for example the FNB Durban Downwind and the Mauritius Ocean Classic. The fact that I was on the leader board so early was great but I always knew that the Internationals were coming and that they would possibly overtake me. So it is not something that I set my sights on but once I was up there, it became a question of how do I stay there?

PM Considering it was a late Charge – how did it all come about?

HN The initial idea was that Carbonology, my main sponsor was quite keen to help me get to some of the races in Europe during September. But everyone involved in SA surfski; Michelle Burn, Nicky Russel, Jenna Ward

etc... were going to the Mauritius Ocean Classic which was earlier in the year. I then went to Hein Van Rooyen from Carbonology and asked if there was any chance of going to Mauritius rather than Spain because I would get a chance to race against really good girls, so I will be able to gauge early in the season how I was doing. That is how I ended up going to Mauritius. It was a pretty daunting race because it was my first time racing that event and I literally flew in two days before and had to get myself ready for it. To cut a long story short – I physically crossed the line in 4th but one of the girls ahead of me got a DQ as she missed the turning can and that is what got me on the podium in an international surfski race for the first time.

I do believe that you create your own luck

By being there and finishing 3rd I was able to get my name onto the World Surfski Series rankings.

The plan was then for me to make my own way to Hong Kong.

That is where EuroSteel came in, I contacted Colin Wilson from EuroSteel to ask if I could join his team and represent the EuroSteel brand. I think I was top 2 on the World Surfski Series at that stage and I desperately wanted to go to Hong Kong to try and maintain or better my position. EuroSteel said yes and I was able to get to Hong Kong. Coming 2nd just behind Teneale Hatton was unbelievable especially to finish so close to her.

You go there wanting to finish in the top 3 but you do not know if you are going to pull it off. We then started to do the maths about the World Series rankings and realised that I was up there so it was in my best interest to do the final race “The Doctor” in Perth otherwise I could be knocked down in the rankings.

I had no finances and nothing planned so I used the prize money from Hong Kong to get there. I also missed a whole month of work so I did not have one cent of income coming in. I phoned my husband and we agreed that

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I should go and then another company based in Australia called SkyFii offered to assist with my flight expenses. Thank goodness for all those sponsors together: CS, ES and SkyFii because look where it got me, a win at The Doctor and the World Surfski Series, thank you!!

PM What was the key factor in the win?

HN Consistency, I got third in Mauritius, second in the Durban Downwind, second in Pete Marlin, second in Hong Kong and first in Perth and that is why I won it. To come in the top three for all your title races you are looking good.

PM Are there any new races that have made it on to your to do list?

HN Yes definitely, there is a race in the States called The Gorge Downwind on the Columbia River, it has been made a title race for the forthcoming series so my timing could be quite good because I have never raced surf ski in the States and I think paddling a downwind on a river could be quite an experience. So that is one that I am going to try hard to get to.

PM Which one of the series races is a “must do again” race?

HN Hong Kong – it was a very foreign place to be and also a very different course, you head out from the mainland to a clump of islands and you have 7km of crosswinds hitting you on the left ear them you paddle between these two beautiful islands.

You then do a full 180 and have awesome downwind conditions.

There was a little navigation and a lot of winds and currents, some good sections of downwind and that is what made it exciting – I like races that have a little more to offer than ones normal straight downwind. .

PM What are the people like who host you at the different races?

HN In Hong Kong I was lucky to have friends living there that I could stay with. But you are literally working things out as you go, where to get transport, where to get food etc...

Australia was completely different- Carbonology Sport Australia literally bent over backwards to help; they organised me a boat, they funded my ferry ride to the race and race entries, Andy Ross really went out of his way to look after me. I was hosted by an Australian friend who is also a competitive surf ski paddler who lent me her car which had roof racks, giving me total freedom to come and go and train where I needed to. Plus we stayed about 10 minutes away from where I needed to be. I really had my bum in the butter at that stage and I was so grateful to all of them.

PM You have a very strong rowing background, representing SA in Woman’s Single Sculls in 2011, do you still row in your spare time?

HN No, I think when I left it, I left it completely. I am not really interested in going back. I was a little wounded by the how things ended so I needed the break.

I am happier now than I ever have been. I think that every athlete dreams about the Olympics but it is not going to happen and I just had to deal with it.

PM You were going to row across the Atlantic in December 2013?

HN I am glad that you brought it up because that is how I found surf ski. After the 2012 Olympic selection disappointment I went home to lick my wounds. My mom found an article in the paper about a guy that I used to row with by the name of Camron Bellamy. He was in the process of putting together an 8 man crew to row across the Atlantic for a charity foundation that he

had started called The Ubunye Challenge. I put my hand up and sent him a message asking how do I get involved / what is the plan? He said that we needed to fundraise for the event. The next thing was to try and get in to the ocean to prepare for rowing across the Atlantic but there wasn’t a boat available in South Africa so I got hold of Marine Surf lifesaving club and they put me in a surf ski as the next best thing. After 6 months of trying to raise the money I went back to Cameron and said “look I cannot raise the money but I am starting to really love surf skiing so I would like to follow this path and see where it takes me.”

PM Have you always been competitive?

HN Yes, at school I was a really keen swimmer and Penny Haynes was my idol. At school I swam provincially. When I went to Rhodes University I thought I would take my swimming to a new level but they didn’t have a swimming team so I dropped the ball on that one. I discovered that they did have a very good rowing team and my older brother had been a very good rower at Uni so it became my goal to get into rowing and of course that fuelled the Olympic dream too.

PM What would be your advice to young women who would love to follow in your footsteps?

HN It has not been easy and I think that people think that in terms of surf ski paddling I have pulled it all off in three years. People often ask how did I do it so quickly and I think that they forget that I rowed competitively for the better part of 8 years. I was almost a full time athlete then, so it is not quite been a three year career; it has practically been a 12 year career and I am actually only seeing the

HAYLEY NIXON

WORLD SURFSKI SERIES CHAMPION 2016

results of all the years of hard work now. So I think that the bottom line is that it is not going to happen overnight. It will take hard work but I am living proof that hard work does pay off.

Yes, I have changed sports and I may have got further if I stuck to rowing or got in to paddling earlier but not everything works out the way you planned and you have to roll with the punches.

People see the 10 happy posts on social media and forget about the other 355 days when we are out there training.

PM You compete on the international stage and hold down a full time job – how do you manage?

HN I am lucky in the sense that I work for myself; I am a registered biokineticist and I work at a medical centre where I effectively pay a monthly rental and I can work as much or as little as I choose. It gives me the freedom to leave and come back if I need to. The harsh reality though, is that the days that I am not there not a cent coming in to the bank. So it has its difficulties and finances are a daily struggle.

The training is good because I

believe that at my age one quality session a day is almost enough so I prioritise paddling and fit gym and running around that, if I can do at least one really well – then it is money in the bank.

The problem I find more than anything is recovery. For example at least three days in the week I am at work by 5:30am and will work through until 16:00 and then join the squad for training on the water for an hour / hour and a half, then back home for supper, get ready for the next day and the following day start again.

I sometimes wish that I had more time to just recover.

Another lesson is time management – for me you have got to do whatever you can to make it work! If know that I need to see x amount of patients and do y amount of training sessions then I need to fit that in and I need to manage my time. I just need to be really strict with myself. I have to set a routine and then stick to it! So that how I got through it.

My trump card is the fact that my husband Paul is a phenomenal chef and so supportive of my paddling. Paul basically cooks

for me every night, fuels me on freshly caught fish and keeps me going. I am a very lucky wife!

PM You have mentioned training with a team – is this a particular team that you train with?

HN I spent the better part of the last 2½ years training with the McSquad which was formed by Lee and Hank Mcgregor. That was unbelievable because it is a fairly big squad of girls and guys and it is really competitive training and everyone is very driven and that exposed me to sprints, marathons and surf ski. Over the last six months I have transitioned over to the Wild Dog Wilson squad that was more focused on surfski paddling. I now train full time with them under the coaching guide of Linton Hope. It has been a great transition and I was ready for it and I am really happy to be with a squad that is more focused on surfski although I will be joining them to train for marathons this year too.

PM Might we see you at the world champs in September?

HN Absolutely, well I have to make the side first, but if I make the side you will see me on the start line! I raced World champs

“I am happier now than I ever have been.”

Hayley and Andy Ross (Carbonology) after winning the Perth Doctor IMAGES supplied by Hayley Nixon

in Gyor, Hungary 2015 and Oklahoma City 2014. I specifically took last year off to focus on surf ski paddling and step away from marathons which was easier financially because the previous year I had to fund raise to get to Hungary (marathon) and Tahiti (surf ski) World Champs and it is just too stressful.

PM Any chance of see you on the river?

HN Last year I did the Duzi in a double, but not this year. I am off to do the Drak Challenge. I might look at doing something like the Berg River Canoe Marathon again this year but rivers are not my focus; if anything they will be part of a training programme.

PM Gym vs paddling training, what are your views?

HN I am a huge advocate for gym training. This is a debate I find myself in so often. Gym is often misunderstood and people assume it is only there to make you big. That is not the case at all. We need gym to make us strong and powerful; to help prevent injuries; to make our core strong so we can maintain a good posture; and to compliment the movements we do on the

water whilst paddling. Gym can’t replace paddling, but the two work very well together! I am very lucky to train with and be coached by my colleague and fellow biokineticist Lynne Mackey, we also discuss a lot of training plans and ideas with the Strength Club coach Rory Scheepers.

PM Do you follow a particular diet?

HN I have dappled with a high carb diet, Banting and a low carb diet. Fhe last two years I have worked with a dietician here at Kings Park Sports Medicine Centre, Kerryn Wuth who has me on a well-balanced, healthy eating plan. Ultimately I try my best to avoid processed foods and refined sugar. I am not overly strict, I think moderation is key, I do watch what I eat but there is no special fad diet. I focus on a balanced diet and focusing rather on my fuel requirements for the next day’s training. I like to say that I eat to live, not live to eat.

PM Favourite way to relax?

HN Funny question, Paul my husband would probably tell you that I like to pretend I am relaxing but I always have ants in my pants. But I do like downtime –

my way to relax is having a glass of red wine out on the patio or just watching a movie at home, it’s nice to be distracted from the world for an hour or two. We are also dog people, luckily my mom has the dogs but any opportunity we get, and we take them down to the beach for a walk.

PM Sponsors?

HN Carbonology Sport is my main sponsor and they back me with boats, paddles and help me get to races. Carbonology also subsidises some of my race entries and when I went to Perth, Carbonology Sport Australia literally got me a boat, paid for my race entry, really bent over backwards to help me out.

EuroSteel are new sponsors and it has been so awesome to be part of such a powerful and talented team of paddlers. EuroSteel took me on board just before Hong Kong and have asked me to stay on for 2017 so I am very excited by that prospect.

PM When did you get married?

HN 24 October 2015 at the Umtamvuna River Lodge in Port Edward… we had such a fun and relaxed wedding by the river with lots of dancing and celebrations.

Hayley and Paul Nixon

Hayley get ready for Cape Point Challenge 2016. IMAGE TPM

#150

“From humble beginnings” is a phrase used to describe many entities, these days. The term brings to mind a small group of people, doing something in a somewhat nonchalant manner and allowing it to grow and blossom from then onwards. This is often the case, with numerous cycling and road running races being, simply, a gloried version of an initial challenge set out by a group of friends. However, when you substitute this easygoing push-off with a decree of intent - a proclaim of passion

and a stipulated vision to start something unique - you end up with an event branded with the ideal of those that decreed it and a vision for the future.

This was the forging of the ADT SeaDog Paddle Series - hardcore, unrelenting and never cancelled.

Initiated by the famed Fish Hoek locals Dawid & Nikki Mocke, the first race took place on the first weekend of October 2009. I still remember the legendary, and somewhat mysterious, poster that appeared in change rooms at canoe and lifesaving clubs

across the Cape Peninsula. A large ocean swell being ridden by a determined paddler, a parchment background nodding towards days of old seafarers and storms and the bold, glaring words “NEVER CANCELLED”. As ludicrous as this catchphrase sounded, it was with an air of interest that many of us pitched up to the Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club on a cold, windy Friday evening in the late Cape spring. Twenty evenings of windswept, frigid and hardcore racing later, the line had been drawn and the blueprint set:

SeaDog was for real.

Over the next few years the series became a benchmark event - stating that the Cape surf ski season had started. It transcended spring and summer and bought on the classic Cape Town Surfski Series. It was the acid test after a long winter on the Cape rivers, as you knew that summer had arrived when you lined up at Fish Hoek on a Friday evening! With this peculiar setting in the paddling calendar, SeaDog quickly became a favorite for elite

paddlers and the masses alike.

IT WAS, AND STILL REMAINS, THE FUN EVENT AT WHICH TO FLUFF YOUR FEATHERS AS A RACER, BUT RECLINED ENOUGH THAT NO ONE FEELS LEFT OUT. That said, an ADT SeaDog victory is something every racing paddler cherishes.

After seven seasons the series has grown in numerous ways.

Paddlers now look forward to not only the race, but an extended version of the renowned prize giving ceremony that started all those years ago. Cash prize money, overall series leaderboards and the infamous SeaDog lucky draws are the second highlight of the night - a vague promise that, if you missed out on the podium, you could always claim something!

In addition, weekly sponsorship from various brands has taken

the series to new levels, including the addition of the Mountain Lion Run Series: a fun run event for non-paddlers that traverses the many steps, trails and roads of the Elsie’s Peak mountain face.

The series reached a climax on the 15th of December 2016 with the running of its 150th race, hosted by Orka Paddles. This milestone was trimmed by the South African surf ski community partaking and spectating as Hank McGregor, multiple and double world champion, raced to claim the men’s victory. It was a spectacular evening of racing and it signifies the strong ambition of the ADT SeaDog to continue into the future. Within its history, SeaDog has seen over ten world

champions take part, and has had over 850 paddlers registered on its database. Jasper, Dawid & Nikki Mocke, Kenny & Sean Rice, Brandon van der Walt and others are names that have cemented SeaDog as a proper paddling race.

Interested in joining in? Pop in to Fish Hoek Surf on a Friday evening and line up! Even if you don’t paddle (or run) with us, you can grab a Hansa at the club bar and chat to the regular SeaDog paddlers, wearing their famed LongDog hoodies. And, just like old salty sailors retelling stories of the deep at their local tavern, you’ll hear many tales of happenings out on the small triangular course in Fish Hoek Bay, often while the swell is overhead

and the wind is howling at 35 knots.

A special mention must be made to our sponsors, who have embodied the motto “never cancelled”. Please see our social media sites for more details on these fantastic brands. Most prominent among these is ADT Security who, having climbed on board in 2009, have never faltered and have been the definition of loyal. Thank you ADT Security!

Claudio Manfron and Patrick Eray coming in at the finish Lennart Ohhlson about to start his 50th Seadog

Hank McGregor wins the 150th Seadog!

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Kyle Friedenstein

CANOE DEVELOPMENT 101

BY Janet Simpkins, National Development Coordinator

Canoeing South Africa (CSA) – not to be confused with Cricket, Cycling or Chess South Africa, is the official representative and administrative body for the sport of canoeing in South Africa.

The federation comprises 5 Canoe Unions; • Central Districts – includes Free State and Northern Cape region • Eastern Cape • Gauteng – includes Mpumulanga area.

• KwaZulu Natal • Western Cape These Unions, together with some very hard working individuals, keep our relatively

small sport in the limelight both locally and internationally.

We have a number of canoe clubs throughout the country, a few can even be found in the remotest corners. In each of the above Canoe Unions we have a dedicated Development Coordinator who oversees the growth of the sport amongst the specific development initiatives running in the Union.

successful initiatives are found close to a clean, safe body of water and within safe walking distance of local schools in the community. The majority of participants currently in the programmes are children under the age of 18. Although young adults are still encouraged, the focus and sustainability of the programme depends on bringing more school children into the sport.

At present there are 20 centres, across the country, offering free tuition and the opportunity to participate in organised events if one enjoys the sport. The

At each of the centres we have a designated coach as well as the necessary equipment one needs to begin. Water safety is of utmost importance and no one is

allowed onto the water without first completing a swim test.

support from the National Department of Sport and Recreation. This is the ‘bread It often takes a few weeks to and butter’ of the programme. get into the sport, but with the Sometimes the Federation is promise of fun with friends, also granted funding from the and bigger and better horizons National Lotteries Commission, monthly reporting has shown the specifically for growth and majority of children stay in the development projects. Without programmes. Everyone begins on these two main sponsors the flatwater, but could progress to development structures would rivers or even surf ski paddling. cease to exist.

In addition to these 20 initiatives, the growth of the sport at inter-school level is crucial. Certain Unions have successful school’s league programmes on the go and have proven to be successful in encouraging more youngsters into the sport. There is always room to grow and future plans in this specific inter-school, interclub area are exciting. Watch this space!

Sea Vista

It truly is an honour to be part of a team that encourages healthy lifestyles, creates opportunities, broadens horizons and changes lives.

Please visit www.canoesa.org. za for more information or get in touch via twitter – @CanoeDevSA or follow us on Instagram – canoedevsa.

Email: dev@canoesa.org.za

SA Ladies Team 2017

Canoeing South Africa is very fortunate to receive financial ECCU Sea Vista SFPC Awards SA Sports Awards - Edamini Primary

Nosipho Mthembu.

SA Selections 2017

IMAGE Cape Photographic Studio

FENN CAPE POINT CHALLENGE An iconic event for the pure challenge of padding 50km+ along a coast line known for both its prisine beaches, shear cliffs, and its fair share of ship wrecks.

There are three grading races in the run up to the Cape Point Challenge and those doing the first one might have easily become daunted by the mammoth task ahead based on the conditions at the grading race. But the weather gods smiled gently on us on race day and we were treated to some of the best conditions in a long time.

We woke up on the morning of the race to be greeted by a very gentle breeze and large swells coming through. The Atlantic Ocean is very seldom calm and on the day there were 2.7m swells rolling up the coast. Luckily for all the paddlers, the organisers

have gone back to the original crayfish factory launch site which is much easier than the previous year’s Scarbourgh starts.

This adds another 3km to the route, but when you are already paddling 50km – what’s another km or two?

The start was pleasantly chaotic with batches of 20 boats trying to squeeze between the 10m wide starting area. All of them trying to get as far right as possible to sneak out in the rip and avoid the possibility of a chilly swim two hours before the sun would be able to start warming them up.

Needless to say there were a few swimmers at the start as paddlers gor got knocked out of their boats in the general excitement. Others,

IMAGE Cape Town Sports Photography

determined to save a couple of metres, turned left too soon and got caught out by rouge swells breaking on the reef.

The paddle on the Atlantic side was a choice beween following the backline, or taking a safer route and skirting the kelp beds. Most of us took a wide berth around Albatross Rock off Olifantsbos least we have the same fate as the Tommy Tucker and the Nolloth.

Then it was down to the cliffs of Cape Mclear and as you round that, your first real sighting of the turning point Cape Point itself. The steady swells rebounded off the cliffs with an uncanny amount

of enthusiasm resulting in a very bumpy 3km paddle; all the while making sure that you stay well inside Bellows rock in case you find yourself making one of those unfortunate phonecalls to the NSRI! From there it was round the point to be greeted by the welcoming sight of Fish Hoek Beach in the distance. The top paddlers had a gentle breeze behind them to nudge them home. As the day progressed the south easterly wind picked up giving the back

markers some very welcome assistance and ensured that their finishing times looked a lot more respectable.

In the men’s race it was our World Marathon Champ, Hank McGregor that took this race by the scruff of its neck and showed in convincing style why he is

also the World Surfski Series winner. He had a comfortable lead rounding the majestic Cape Point and never looked back. In a flawless paddle he managed to put 10 minutes between himself and his nearest competitor Jasper Mocké. Hank finished in the unbelievable time of 3:57:50 giving him an average speed of 13.4km/h over 53km. As a demonstration of how it runs in the family, his father came in 17th. His wife Pippa teamed up with Shaun Dias to come 3rd in the mixed doubles and 23rd overall. Coming in third was Kenny Rice in 4:08:41 and Frenchman Yannick Lacusse with

a time of 4:09:19.

Women’s paddling is incredibly strong at the moment so the FENN Cape Point Challenge was always going to be one to watch.

With the World Surfski Series champion, Hayley Nixon lining up against the local favourite Bianca Beavitt (recent winner of the PE 2EL), Bridgitte Hartley (2016 Olympian and 2nd in the Fish) and Jenna Ward (3rd in the World Surfski Series and 4th in the World Marathon Champs K1).

Who could ask for a better field of Competitors? They set off in a flurry, Beavitt using her local knowledge chose the inside lines

IMAGE Cape Town Sports Photography

wherever possible on a daunting day. Nixon on the other hand chose the more cautious route on the Atlantic side relying more on strength to get her home.

After a titanic battle it was Nixon who clinched it from Beavitt by just over two minutes to claim the victory in 4:39:35. Coming in third was Brigette Hartley in 4:54:24. The big surprise came in the form of comeback kid – Kirsten Flanagan with a time of 5:04:57, who showed that she is still a force to be reckoned with, claiming a respectable 4th.

Ponta do Ouro

Orange River Mouth

Tugela River Mouth

Port St Johns Dassen Island Cape Agulhas

SALDANHA PORT CONTROL Tel: 022 714 1726 Stn. 24 Lambert’s Bay – 060 960 3027 Stn. 04 Mykonos – 082 990 5966 Stn. 34 Yzerfontein – 082 990 5974

CAPE TOWN PORT CONTROL Tel: 021 449 3500 Stn. 18 Melkbosstrand – 082 990 5958 Stn. 03 Table Bay – 082 990 5963

Seal Point

Great Fish River Mouth

Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Tel: 021 938 3300 NSRI HQ: 021 434 4011 MOSSEL BAY PORT CONTROL Tel: 044 604 6271 Stn. 33 Witsand – 082 990 5957 Stn. 31 Still Bay – 082 990 5978 Stn. 15 Mossel Bay – 082 990 5954 Stn. 23 Wilderness – 082 990 5955 Stn. 12 Knysna – 082 990 5956

EAST LONDON PORT CONTROL Tel: 043 700 2100 Stn. 07 East London – 082 990 5972 Stn. 28 Port St Johns – 082 550 5430

DURBAN PORT CONTROL Tel: 031 361 8567 Stn. 32 Port Edward – 082 990 5951 Stn. 20 Shelly Beach – 082 990 5950 Stn. 05 Durban – 082 990 5948

Stn. 14 Plettenberg Bay – 082 990 5975

RICHARDS BAY PORT CONTROL Tel: 035 753 1991

Stn. 10 Simon’s Town – 082 990 5965

P.E. PORT CONTROL Tel: 041 507 1911

INLAND DAMS AND LAKES

Stn. 16 Strandfontein – 082 990 6753

Stn. 36 Oyster Bay – 082 990 5968

Stn. 22 Vaal Dam – 083 626 5128

Stn. 09 Gordon’s Bay – 072 448 8482

Stn. 21 St Francis Bay – 082 990 5969

Stn. 27 Victoria Lake – 060 991 9301

Stn. 17 Hermanus – 082 990 5967

Stn. 37 Jeffreys Bay – 079 916 0390

Stn. 25 Hartbeespoort Dam – 082 990 5961

Stn. 29 Air Sea Rescue – 082 990 5980

Stn. 06 Port Elizabeth – 082 990 0828

Stn. 35 Witbank Dam – 060 962 2620

Stn. 30 Agulhas – 082 990 5952

Stn. 11 Port Alfred – 082 990 5971

Stn. 38 Theewaterskloof – 072 446 6344

Stn. 02 Bakoven – 082 990 5962 Stn. 08 Hout Bay – 082 990 5964 Stn. 26 Kommetjie – 082 990 5979

Stn. 19 Richards Bay – 082 990 5949

CRAIG LAMBINON: 082 380 3800 (Communications)

You can download a digital version of these emergency numbers from our website: http://www.nsri.org.za/emergency-numbers/

DUZI CANOE MARATHON 2017

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE SECONDERS!

Contrary to popular belief, paddlers are not always the happy go lucky, easy going people that they appear to be. Paddlers are known for the occasional mishap on the river and just sometimes they start a race all gung-ho and by the middle of the race they are a little tired. I have also heard a rumour that our boats might not always be as ‘race-ready’ as they should be leading to unnecessary admin on the river banks.

When these things go wrong we look to our angels of mercy to come and rescue us. While they are on earth they are known by another name – our seconders. These are the people that feed us, provide ice cold refreshment, tools to do the admin and most importantly cheer us on to the finish line.

The FNB Duzi and MyRiver websites are filled with useful tips and hints for the paddler in order to help them get through the day so we thought that we would dedicate this to helping the seconds get through the 3 days that we love so much.

HINTS

DAY 1 Day 1 starts with great rapids in short succession – Start – Ernie Pearce – Commercial Road – Musson’s – low level bridge so it is not possible to be at every rapid and get through the Pietermaritzburg traffic. One may be lucky and do the following: Ernie Pearce Weir to low level bridge to Campbells Farm but then your seconder has to jump in the car as soon as you have gone past and drive like… to get to Campbells.

Start Day 1 Ernie Pearce Weir Commercial Road Weir

29º37’19.22’’ S 30º22’34.50” E 29°36’49.42″ S 30°22’37.91″ E 29°36’42.76″ S 30°23’15.54″ E

Don’t wait there.

Let the pro’s take the photos here

Popular place and the vibe is amazing as the crowds cheer for the paddlers. Park anywhere near the YMCA building Musson’s 29°36’6.28″ S A short walk from the parking.

30°24’10.65″ E Fun spot to watch.

Low level Bridge 29°36’08.13” S A great spot in case there was 30°24’48.35” E admin in the first stretch. But be prepared to run/ drive if you stop there to get to Campbell’s in time.

Braai take out 29°35’49.83”S The paddler MUST commit to 30°26’58.24”E either. This is where you can park OR and the paddlers run up the hill to you Pine Trees take out Check with race The paddler MUST commit to organisers if this either. is an option!

Campbell’s put-in 29°36’18.26″ S Difficult to get to and no real 30°28’59.85″ E need Mission 29°37’28.98″ S A Must be place – head down 30°34’53.54″ E to the bottom to get the best photos. Park so that you can easily get out and dash to the next one Fingerneck Portage 29°38’1.07′ S A short portage up the hill so a 30°35’35.29″ E great time to change juice and feed before the final push home.

Dusi Bridge – 29°39’30.68″ S You are done! Cold beer, girls in Finish 30°38’5.57″ E bikinis – what more do you need?

• Make sure that the paddler and the second are clear about where the meeting points are.

Preferably mark them on a map to help the second. The Duzi has numerous routes for example is the paddler going to climb out at the “Braai” or the “Pine Tree” take out at the Campbell’s Farm portage. Get it wrong and you will miss your seconder by miles!

• Pack a packet of the things you may need for your second and label it “Campells / Fingerneck “.

This way they only have to grab it and come and find you. Don’t let them have to guess at 36ºC whether you want fruit or not!

• Make sure that the seconds have enough food and drinks for themselves.

You don’t want them tucking in to your supplies.

• You should have a small toolkit in the boat but if you think that you may need a bigger one pack everything into an easily carried backpack or box.

• Be kind to your seconders – they have given up 3 days to be with you.

• Make sure that your seconds agree to obey the marshals – you could be disqualified if your seconds are out of hand.

The first thing to realise is that your awesome seconders cannot get everywhere. Yes, you would like a photo and applause for shooting every rapid but it is just not possible. Here are some suggestions on where you could meet your seconders.

DAY 2 Day 2 is a long day for the seconders because there are basically 2 places to see the paddlers over the longest day. The paddlers have a long way to go to get to Marianni-Foley so don’t get too anxious if you do not see them in the first hour and a half.

Duzi Bridge – Start 29°39’30.68″ S 30°38’5.57″ E Marianni-Foley 29°39’4.51″ S Causeway 30°41’3.66″ E Top of the Inanda Dam

29°39’4.51″ S 30°41’3.66″ E

Finish inside Msinsi Resort

29°40’35.28″ S 30°51’16.58″ E

Although it is nice to sit on the bridge the best spots to stop are river right in one of the bays. Make sure you shout to your paddler early to give them time to get across the river.

This is generally a long wait – don’t lose heart. This is critical for paddlers who will need to refill their juice and eat before the 12km trek to the finish.

More cold beer

DAY 3 The best day of all for spectators. Leave your paddlers at the start about 30 minutes before their batch is set to go off. Head down to Tops Needle rapid and get comfortable while you watch the thrills and spills of the first rapid of the day. From there you can pick and choose which rapid to go to next. Umzinyathi and Little John are favourites. You take your pick depending on the accessible parking. Molweni is generally the last time you will see your paddler before the finish.

Msini Resort - start Tops Needle Side Chute Umzinyathi Little John Graveyard Molweni Five Fingers Finish at Blue Lagoon

29°40’35.28″ S 30°51’16.58″ E 29°42’56.97″ S 30°52’7.15″ E 29°43’18.20″ S 30°43’25.65″ E 29°43’13.39″ S 30°54’7.16″ E 29°43’56.80″ S 30°53’46.95″ E 29°44’51.41” S 30°54,06.32” E 29°45’11.22″ S 30°53’12.97″ E 29°45’23.25″ S 30°54’36.24″ E 29°48’41.93″ S 31°2’7.83″ E

A great place for photos. Park on the side of the road and follow a path through the bush. Aim for the bottom for maximum view.

There is a great pool at the bottom were swimmers get a chance to recover Always a favourite! Park so that you can get out easily Fun rapid either stand on the bridge or run down to the bottom of the rapid to watch the action Park on the side of the road and walk down through the bush Very NB this is the last time you will see your paddlers before the finish. Juice and food vital!

ONLY GIVEN IN CASE OF EMERGENCY - Please do NOT go there unless there is an emergeny Need we say more

It is a long three days for the paddlers and the seconders so make the most of it! Laugh with other paddlers, help fix boats if you can and take 3 deep breaths, after all the race was put on for you. Your interactions are what makes the Duzi such a special race – so continue the tradition and inspire others in the process.

Lastly there are lots of waterproof phones on the market and they are pretty much mandatory for surfski’ers now days. Why not slip one of those in to your PFD and let your seconder know if you are having some admin along the route. ** The GPS coordinates are only given as a guideline. The Paddle Mag cannot be held liable for incorrect bearings NOR can it be held liable for the route that your GPS takes to get there. Ours has taken us on some of the scariest roads at 2am! Please always keep your eyes on the road and obey the traffic rules.

A battle of the sexes?

There is often a marked difference between the Prize money values for men and women. Sometimes it is simply that men earn more than women for winning a race. On other occasions the prize money is awarded to the top 10 men but only the top 3 women. For some this may be an obvious thing but for others it may be a concern so we would like to air it in a simple show of figures. This was not meant to single out the particular races below – they are just the ones open enough to make the winnings public on their websites. The issue for us is in terms of the development of the sport. How do we inspire people to take up the sport and later on provide a RACE Berg River Marathon

YEAR 2016

Cape Point Challenge 2015 Durban Downwind 2016 Dusi Canoe Marathon * 2016 figures not out at time of going to press

2013

Fish River Canoe Marathon * top 10 men receive prize money vs top 3 ladies

2016

platform for them to represent us internationally.

Women do not get reduced entry fees, flights or accommodation when attending the race. Maybe that’s okay? For example a grand master would not expect the same prize money as the open category.

But maybe that’s not okay when we are trying to get young people in to the sport . We are certainly not unique in this issue – a quick glance through tennis or golf prize money will show you that we are not alone.

JOIN IN THE CONVERSATION on Facebook or MAIL US AT thepaddlemag@gmail.com

POSITION 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd

MALE R10000 R5000 R3000 R32500 R20000 R12500 R8000 R6000 R5000 R57500 R33500 R18500 R22000 R17600 R13200

FEMALE R1000 R5000 R3000 R20000 R12000 R7500 R4000 R2000 R1000 R27000 R12500 R6500 R22000 R17600 R13200

POSITION 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd

MALE € 2500 € 1500 € 1000 $2000 $1250 $1000 € 3000 € 2000 € 1000 $3000 $1500 $1000

FEMALE € 1000 € 600 € 400 $750 $500 $300 € 1500 € 1000 € 500 $1000 $750 $250

On the International Front...

RACE Euro Challenge

YEAR 2017

Molokai Challenge 2016 Nelo Summer Challenge 2016 Perth Doctor 2016

ASK THE EXPERTS Q

Hi, I am hoping you can help. I started paddling about 8 months ago and a friend lent me his paddle (albatross name on red paddle) while I really enjoy paddling, the paddle is killing my shoulders and my mates seem to be going faster than me. Would changing my paddle help and if so what should I look for?

Thank you Bradley

A

Hi Bradley , Thanks for the question. Before I talk about which paddle is right for you I need to explain a little bit about the wing paddle and stroke technique. While trying not to get overly technical the wing paddle, unlike the flat paddle, has a curved edge at the top and a flat edge at the bottom of the blade. The curved edge doesn’t allow the water to slip over and instead channels the water over the flat bottom. Basically this shape causes the paddle to move a certain path sideways in the water. If you have never had technical advice it is likely that your paddling stroke will not be the most efficient and this could cause instability in the boat and also will likely have a high impact on your body (which could be why your shoulder are getting hurt). The strokes power should be generated from a connected body and not isolated muscles.

Moving onto which paddle is right for you, this is a difficult question to answer we need to take in a few factors, blade size and shape, paddle length and paddle construction. It should go without saying that the larger the paddles blade is, the harder it will be to pull the paddle through the water but the more power and speed you should in theory be able to generate (depends if you have the strength to pull the paddle). The same goes for the paddle length the longer your paddle the longer your stroke however the more strength you will need to have to pull the paddle. The paddle shape or catch will depend on your preference however most prefer a tear drop shape catch for surfski paddling. and finally the shaft the more carbon in the shaft the lighter the paddle will be however it will also make the paddle very stiff and therefore have a higher impact on your arms if you technique is poor rather go for a softer shaft.

What I recommend is go for the smallest tear drop shaped blade you can get. Also look for a soft shaft with adjustable length of around 208 - 215 cm. this will allow you to paddle with the least impact on your muscles and joints and you can work on improving your stroke technique and strength without injury.

Kind Regards Kyle

Kyle Friedenstein Age 24 Lives in Cape Town South Africa Owner at Surfski School CT RACING 2 x Winner of the Scottborough to Brighton Winner of Dolphin Coast 1st U23 KZN Provincial Champs 7th at the Mauritius Ocean Classic Winner of the 2016 PE2EL

Q

Q

A

A

I have recently bought a Garmin 735 XT partly for the medical aid points and partly to help my training. My medical aid has a heart rate chart on their website that tells me how I can get points but is that how I should train? Is it better to go at 80% for just over 30 min or 2 hours at 60% effort? I am 41 years old, 87kgs if that helps. Thanks Tim

Tim. Both the training modes you mention will be good for you.

Choosing a mode depends on what you want to do and how serious you want to be. A marathon paddler would mostly remain in endurance mode undertaking aerobic activities. If your goal is to be a sprint canoeist, you should concentrate on anaerobic activities. The ideal training model is to start the season with a large volume of endurance training, introducing shorter, more explosive activities as the competitive season approaches.

The issue with accumulating points through a medical scheme is that it requires no structure.

There is no focus or seasonal training cycle. You do the sessions and you earn the points. A higher training effect scores more points than lesser activities, which is what you would expect.

The downside is that there is generally a limit on the number of points that you can accumulate for a specific category of training. With several categories, if you concentrate on one, for example endurance activities of two hours or longer, you soon reach the limit for the category. It’s the same for a biokineticist assessment, which can only be done once a year.

My husband and I bought a double canoe in order to do the Duzi next year. But we cannot get around the dam once without arguing! Is there something we should be doing to make things easier? The boat rocks a lot when he tries to go fast and then it feels very unstable. Regards Fiona

Fiona. Sounds like you have a lot of work to do before considering the 2018 Dusi.

Being comfortable with a partner requires a certain skill and mutual trust. It complicates the situation if you have vastly different competencies. This means communicating in instances of difficulty, and satisfactorily resolving the issues. Arguing is unlikely to solve your joint balancing issue.

A double K2 should provide sufficient stability. As the back paddler, you have to fit in with the rhythm and stroke of the front paddler. Having said this, the front paddler has to create the platform for you to stroke efficiently, allowing you to contribute as much as you can and want to the forward propulsion of the craft.

You can see what is going on in front, but your husband can only sense and feel what is going on behind, even bouts of nervousness. If you are an uneasy passenger, do some balancing drills in a single canoe. Fall out a few times to get used to the water, so that capsizing is no longer an issue. Get your husband to limit the stroke rate, because your joint balance will be tested at higher stroke rates.

Perhaps swop seats with your husband and see how it goes with him in the back, even for a short time.

Kevin Brunette An experienced surfski paddler, having completed three Cape Point Challenges. Motivated by technique and boat speed, and can often be seen on the water or at the gym perfecting his stroke and improving his fitness.

A keen hiker and mountain biker. Kevin has authored and published these books: • SURFSKI: With the Pros • SURFSKI: Paddling Downwind • SURFSKI: Perfecting your Technique • SURFSKI: Surviving at Sea • SURFSKI: Training for Performance • SURFSKI: Winning the Races • SQUASH: With the Pros Follow the link http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/southeastercommunications

Get your

RACE

on!

EASTERN CAPE DATE

RACE

DETAILS

CONTACT

FEBRUARY FRI 3

Border Summer Series 7

FRI 10

Border Summer Series 8

FRI 17

Border Summer Series 9

FRI 24

Border Summer Series 10

MARCH FRI 3

Border Summer Series

SAT 4 SAT 11 SAT 18

Shark Point Surfski Challenge Spar River Challenge Little Fish

APRIL SAT 8

Clippety Challenge

SUN 16

Orient Beach, East London, Singles, 5.30pm Orient Beach, East London, Doubles, 5.30pm Orient Beach, East London, Singles, 5.30pm Orient Beach, East London, Doubles, 5.30pm

Grant Sinclair

Final Race / Function, Orient Beach, East London, 5.30pm St Francis Bay, 18km Zwartkops

Grant Sinclair

082 574 1041

Grant Sinclair 082 574 1041

Grant Sinclair 082 574 1041

Grant Sinclair 082 574 1041

082 574 1041

info@stfrancispaddlingclub.co.za paddling@iafrica.com paddling@iafrica.com secretary@bordercanoeclub. co.za

Plettenberg Bay Main Beach

MON 17

Penny Pinchers/Buco Easter Surfski King of the Kromme

MAY SAT 13

Chalumna Challenge

East London

jlettuce@lincx.co.za

Kromme Rover, St Francis Bay, info@stfrancispaddlingclub.co.za 10 and 20km secretary@bordercanoeclub. co.za

GAUTENG DATE

RACE

DETAILS

CONTACT

FEBRUARY SAT 4 SUN 5 TUE 7 SAT 11 SUN 26 MARCH SAT 4 SAT 25 SUN 26

LCC Elands Memorial 3338 DABS Dambusters VLC Nite Race School League VLC K2 Marathon

Elands River Dubalamanzi Canoe Club Victoria Lake, Germiston Victoria Lake, Germiston Wemmer Pan

Craig Lewis 073 6656881 Jason Brown 076 112 0402 Wayne Saunders 082 4148627 Tracey Watkins 082 564 0163 Pete Roussouw 082 895 8129

Schools League Sprint Race GCU High Altitude Surf Ski Race K2 Marathon

Emmerentia Dam Dubalamanzi Canoe Club

Tracey Watkins 082 564 0163 Jason Brown 076 112 0402

Wemmer Pan

Pete Roussouw 082 895 8129

DATE APRIL SAT 1 SAT 22 SUN 23 MAY SAT 6 SUN 21 SUN 28

RACE VLC Klip K1 Marathon K2 Marathon

DETAILS Scouthall to Caravan Park Wemmer Pan Wemmer Pan

CONTACT Wayne Saunders 0824148627 Pete Roussouw 082 895 8129 Pete Roussouw 082 895 8129

BASF Watuni Klip Novice Race Scout Hall to Caravan Park, Jan Lombard 0836805952 16km K1 Marathon JCC VLC Klip Cake Race - GCU K1 Sports Ground to Caravan Park Wayne Saunders 0824148627 Trial

KWA-ZULU NATAL DATE

RACE

DETAILS

CONTACT

FEBRUARY FRI 3 SAT 4 SUN 5

FNB Surfski Series 5 - Eurosteel Challenge Capitol Caterers/Popes Canoe Schools Sprints Inanda Dam to Durban

Marine LSC

info@marineseries.co.za

Nagle Dam, 200m

Rob Marriott rjjmarriott@gmail.com Duane Taylor 0845620435

Inanda Dam to Blue Lagoon, 35km FRI 10 FNB Surfski Series 6 - Borland Marine LSC Challenge by Marriott SAT 11 Capitol Caterers/Popes Canoe Wagendrift to Lambert Park, Schools Bushmans Race Estcourt, 12km SUN 12 FNB Dusi Open Day TUE 14 FNB Surfski Series 7 - Lettie Marine LSC Paddle Challenge WED 15 FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon Expo and Registration THU 16 - SAT 18 FNB Dusi Marathon Camps Drift to Blue Lagoon FRI 24 FNB Surfski Series 8 - FNB Marine LSC Challenge SAT 25 - SUN 26 Capitol Caterers/Popes Canoe 16km Schools K1 River Race SUN 26 Nyala Pans to St Elmos Nyala Pans, Umkomaas, 25km MARCH FRI 3 FRI 3 SAT 4 FRI 10

Non-Stop Dusi

Camps Drift to Blue Lagoon, 120km Marine LSC

FNB Surfski Series 9 - Hi-Q Challenge Capitol Caterers / Popes Albert Falls Weir to Baynes Canoe Schools Upper Umgeni Drift FNB Surfski Series 10 - Varsi- Marine LSC ty College Challenge and SA Schools

info@marineseries.co.za Rob Marriott rjjmarriott@gmail.com Mary Millward 033421528 info@marineseries.co.za Mary Millward 033421528 Mary Millward 033421528 info@marineseries.co.za Rob Marriott rjjmarriott@gmail.com Lana Allen 0827435838 Mary Millward 033421528 info@marineseries.co.za ob Marriott rjjmarriott@gmail.com info@marineseries.co.za

DATE

RACE

SAT 11

Capitol Caterers/Popes Canoe Schools Mooi River Race SUN 12 Hella-Hella to Josephines Bridge SAT 18 - SUN 19 Umkomaas Marathon SUN 25 - SUN Tugela Marathon 26

DETAILS 12km

CONTACT Rob Marriott rjjmarriott@gmail.com Ernie Alder 0724377397

32km Umkomaas, 67km Middlesdrift to another Big Five, 75km

APRIL SAT 1 - SUN 2 FRI 7 - SUN 9 SAT 22

KZN Sprints SA Sprints Hansa Surfski Series 1

Shongweni Dam Shongweni Dam Dairy Beach Challenge

MAY SUN 7 SUN 14

Hansa Surfski Series 2 Hansa Surfski Series 3

SUN 21

Hansa Surfski Series 4

SUN 28

Hansa Surfski Series 5

Bay Union Challenge Bay Union King of the Bay Challenge Bay Union Double Ski Challenge Lion of Africa Challenge

Ernie Alder 0724377397 Rod Bowes 082 789 6422

WESTERN CAPE DATE FEBRUARY SUN 5 SUN 12 SUN 19 MARCH SAT 4 WED 15 TUE 21 SAT 25

RACE Junior Sprints Junior Sprints 2 Junior Sprints 3 Nekkies to Alfies K1 10 000m K2 10 000m Western Cape Senior and Junior Sprints

DETAILS

CONTACT

Peninsula

Milnerton Peninsula Peninsula

APRIL SAT 1 SAT 8 SAT 22 FRI 28 - SAT 29

Berg River Dam k2 Hermanus K1 Paarl Le Bac Orange Descent

Uppington

MAY SAT 6 SAT 13

Marina Da Gama K1 Paarl to Lady Loch Novice K1

Peninsula Paarl

SUN 14 SAT 20

Marathon Training Race Bridgetown to Soetdraai K1

Waldo Van der Linde 072 184 9090

Laura van Heerden wpcanoe@gmail.com Laura van Heerden wpcanoe@gmail.com

DATE SUN 21

RACE Marathon Training Race

SAT 27 - SUN 28 Western Cape Marathon Championships

DETAILS

CONTACT Laura van Heerden wpcanoe@gmail.com Laura van Heerden wpcanoe@gmail.com

ILLUSTRATION JacciR Designs

VIEW FROM THE BACK OF THE BOAT

Well as you may know – I am going on my first blind date in years. It is not that I am nervous but well let’s just say that previous encounters have not been a roaring success. In fact it is no big secret that the last one ended with her saying “I will call you some time….. “ Having gone through my black book of willing and unwilling suspects down south where the days are long but the water sure is cold without any success, I finally turned to older mates to see if there was anyone new on the horizon that would be willing to do the Duzi with me. Well a friend phoned, said he knew of someone that might be willing to go on a date with me. He then gave me some tips on what to say and what not to say and made me promise I would not snort when I laughed before giving me her number. I really appreciate the vote of confidence – thanks.

Well I called her and got the usual response “well I have this other guy….. “ – reminded me of school dating. Well a couple of days later I got this text message “Ok I am free” ...nice my favourite type of date! So I phoned her; put on my cool, charming voice and did my best to convince her that it would be fun to give it a try.

Went off to diner that Friday night and happily announced to friends that I had this Big Date and that I was super excited. O’h says one friend, “What is her name” (Shew easy first question) “Michelle” I answered proudly! “Michelle who?” Was the next question and when I could not answer that, the ragging began in earnest! Funny how my friends always take her side!

“Poor girl, Should we warn her?

And we will laugh if she is much fitter than you and spends the whole race saying – I wish we could go a lot faster…” were the sentiments echoed around the

table that night.

I am driving for the three days and well needless to say I am now nervous.

• What if I get lost? Is it wrong to ask for directions on the first date?

• What if I make her swim? I have a nemesis rapid quite early on in the race (Not Ernie Pearce but close) is it cheesy to say – You look great with your hair wet?

• What if we don’t get on? I have seen some great fights on the river and one or two paddle smacks – three days is a long time to dodge a bullet if you know what I mean.

With these and many more questions rushing through my mine – I am setting off for the 2017 FNB Duzi Canoe Marathon.

Wishing all the competitors simply their best race ever!

IMAGE Tessa Brunette