Issue 3 2019 Jun/Jul
Freedom Paddle Arnold Classic
Canoe Polo Shines TECH
Defining Training Rules Why You Need A Coach Keep Paddle Fit KAYAK
CANOE POLO
Molokai
SURFSKI
CANOE
Full Calendars
IMAGE Graham Daniel
Contents
14 CSA celebrating successes 16 SA Ocean racing team announced 26 Canoe Sprints lead up to the 2020 Olympics
34 Molokai magic 38 portuguese
national champs 46 cape to salvador 52 arnold classic Canoe Polo shines
64 Why you need a
paddle coach 70 stay paddle fit this winter
RACES
18
freedom paddle | SA doubles champs 22 SA singles champs 30 the mighty umko 62 watuni klip 68 mauritius classic
REGULARS
10 tidbits News! News! News! 42 Opinion PFD Matters
58 paddling tips Speed 74 Out and about 82 Calendars 90 view from the back of the boat
on the cover
FEATURES
IMAGE EVENT Stihl Úmkomaas Canoe Marathon 2019 PHOTOGRAPHER Graham Daniel
Send your letters to admin@thepaddlemag.co.za
FIND us on the WEB thepaddlemag.co.za FB @thepaddlemag PUBLISHER AD SALES DESIGNER ADMIN
Terrence Pomeroy-Ward terrence@thepaddlemag.co.za admin@thepaddlemag.co.za Tracy Ward admin@thepaddlemag.co.za
PUBLISHED ON Issuu.com
e o n a C s A p S am h C n o h t n a o o r M e a l M itage, Crad r e H e k a L
15 - 17 June
CONTRIBUTORS KEVIN BRUNETTE Kevin is an established surfski paddler, having completed three Cape Point Challenges. He is motivated by technique and boat speed, and can often be seen on the water perfecting his stroke or at the gym working on his fitness. He has authored and published a number of books of surfski. They are available in epub, pdf or kindle formats. Google ‘surfski book’ for the links.
GRAHAM DANIEL
CELLIERS KRUGER
Writer of paddling books; designer and manufacturer of some of the most innovative kayaks on the market; expedition paddler with descents on four continents; veteran of races like Dusi, Fish and Berg; freestyle kayaker representing SA at World Championships; safety kayaker and raft guide on various rivers in Africa and Europe; ex-competitor in canoe polo and raft racing; experienced in open canoeing, surfski, slalom, wildwater racing and oar rafting; mechanical engineer with intimate understanding of fluid dynamics; reluctant coach and eternal student.
LISA DE SPEVILLE
Graham Daniel - Former athlete, staying involved in sport to fuel his life passion by sharing moments of excellence and achievement, supporting those who are doing and being part of it all. “simply searching to make a difference, to showcase the talents, efforts and abilities of others, to share with humanity the wonderful moments we create and enjoy each experience.”
20-years ago Lisa de Speville discovered the sport of adventure racing, which was her first introduction to paddling. Lisa now lives in the town of Parys on the Vaal River. She enjoys hard-and-fast flatwater paddling from the canoe club and leisurely tripping the whitewater section from the town with friends. Homemade flapjacks and crunchy apples are her favourite river-trip snack foods.
DON WEWEGE
ROB MOUSLEY
Don is the National u21 mens canoe polo coach and heads up canoe polo in the Western Cape. He is a former national and African champion in canoe slalom and has raced in everything from extremekayaking to flatwater sprints.
Rob Mousley won the Cape Town Surfski Series “Most Enthusiastic Paddler of the Year” award in 2005, and nothing’s changed since then. When the southeaster blows, he’s usually to be found on the world renowned Miller’s Run, which is conveniently located near his home in Cape Town. Having been involved in a number of rescues over the years, he’s become a keen advocate for safety in surfski paddling.
Natali Coetzee Natali is an avid photographer and writer, but she’d just as soon exchange the tools of the trade for a paddle and canoe. Rapids still terrify her, but sometimes, she’ll face those fears. She believes that everyone needs encouragement, and will happily cheer on all other paddlers.
SHELLEY SMITH
Shelley is a certified personal trainer and lifestyle transformation coach from Durban. She enjoys inspiring others to pursue their healthy lifestyle goals and equips and coaches others so that they can manifest their dreams into reality. 6
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
Orlando Silva
Collin simpkins
PHOTOGRAPHY
Graham Daniel Canoe South Africa Photos By Carolyn J Cooper Anthony Grote SA Canoe Polo Maui Jim Molokai Challenge Aue Kapaku
Kayak Clube Castores do Arade Richard Kohler Mauritius Ocean Classic Jean Tresfon Natali Coetzee Louis Hattingh Buco Adventure Easter Surfski Orange River Descent
FROM THE ED It has been an amazing two months and there is lots that we can celebrate and we will do so later in the mag but I want to take this opportunity to highlight two very important aspects that are having a profound impact on our sport. The first is that on the day Chrisjan Coetzee raced to the mind blowing bronze in the mens K1 500m in Poland, our presidency was spending 140 million on the inauguration. Chrisjan did it all on his own steam; the training, the visas, flights and the list goes on. The problem that we all have to come to terms with is that as long as our government is spending that kind of money on stuff there will be less and less money to be spent on education, health, justice and finally on sports even Olympic sports. This is a critical realisation as we scream for our sprint athletes this weekend and cheer them on as they compete in Germany. If we want our athletes to represent us at Tokyo Olympics then we as a sport really need to come up with some innovative ideas on how to support them financially in the next coming weeks. The next is the closing of Kayak Centre. I do not know what the thinking was behind the decision and nor do I think that a mag is the appropriate place to discuss it even if I did. But here is my 2cents on the matter. In amongst the condolences on facebook and the discussions in the change room was a feeling of frustration as about eighty percent of the paddlers said that they would have ordered their new canoes if they had known. Just that everyone thought that they had time. Here is the catch, you do but the paddling shops and manufacturers that serve our sport don’t. They need to pay the rent every month, pay their staff. So if you need a warm paddling top this winter – go and get it today from a paddling shop. All I ask is that you think carefully about where you put your money. The paddling shops/ manufacturers are by and large the ones we look to to sponsor our races. If we do not get up and support them, then come summer it may be too late to ask them for support. Ed.
a word from you
Dear Dusi Committee I am writing this letter from the point of view of a long-time paddler who has given up paddling the most iconic race on the calendar, the Dusi. I believe I am not alone in thinking this way... After my 20th Dusi in 2015, I have not done another. The primary reason is the water quality. As you know from your survey, water quality is a major factor in the loss on paddler numbers in recent years.This problem, despite all of the hard work by duct, isn’t going away soon. Denialists will say “well we have a few more entries this year than last year”This means nothing, no one can deny the trend is heading downwards. I have noted, a staggering reading of 344 000 ecoli count on 12 Feb 2019 at the moto x weir and in the millions on nearby tributaries. I don’t need to tell you how bad this is and although I believe in giving the paddlers free choice based upon free Knowledge of the situation, there must be a point at which consideration to cancel the event would have been given? Its not even the ecoli numbers that are scary, it’s the other bugs ducts don’t know about and are testing for. I would like to make a suggestion, I’m sure you’ve heard it before but I believe the race needs to be reinvented. I think the race should be re-routed to start at Albert falls outlet and run the entire Umgeni course though Nagle dam.
Dear Jeremy, In this instance we had a “perfect storm” for poor water quality during the 2019 event. This has raised an ongoing issue amongst paddlers, “water quality”, which is not unique to the Dusi. There are two very clear mindsets on this issue when related to the Dusi specifically. A number of people have suggested moving the event to a different river/route and the other group are adamant the event needs to continue on the historical route between Pietermaritzburg & Durban. One paddler has been rather vocal about the water quality and at the same time “demanded” that the route remain unchanged. What is very important to note is that every suggestion and certainly every response received on the online survey related to “illness” has been read and taken into consideration. I have personally read
Benefits • New and exciting river course with challenging rapids • No security issues such as recently seen at saddles and many times before • Clean, clear unpolluted water • More exciting paddling and less of a biathlon • Lots of retired paddler drawn back for a new adventure and no health risks. Challenges • Water releases from Abert falls dam which has been very low • Start and finish of day one logistics challenges, length of day one • Loss of tradition • Will need more marshals at rapids due to more technical and potentially dangerous rapids • In accessible valley but that adds adventure. • May need more portage options around tricky rapids for novices. The risk is not in making the change, it is in leaving the race as it is. As the recently late Karl Lagerfelt said. “sometimes to survive you need to cut your roots and make new roots.” I don’t want this event to die, I want to participate in it on day again for myself with my three boys. Please change it to make sure the race survives. Sincerely Jeremy Sanders
every response and more specifically the suggestions submitted (over many cups of coffee). DUCT are currently conducting their annual survey which is benchmarked against previous years data and will (may) give a more accurate year on year report. The NCC Committee and the Dusi Committee are listening. Not only are they listening but a great deal of work has already gone into investigating some of the suggestions, a lot of which was already being done in the build-up to the 2019 event. There are pros and cons to each and every option and these were then discussed in length. The decision at this stage is to continue with the “traditional” Dusi between Pietermaritzburg & Durban, but with a specific emphasis on cleaning up the river and where this has not been possible at the time of the event, to create compulsory portages around identified hotspots, as was
done in previous years. We will also continue to look at alternatives. This will include testing the routes technically, identifying suitable access roads/routes and testing possible portage options. Safety is paramount in all of the discussions. We will be drafting a response to ALL the paddlers shortly. The “Dusi is about the paddler”, something which has been clear over the years that I have been privileged to work with various “Dusi Bosses”. That remains unchanged going forward. Hope that helps. Kind regards Brad
TIDBITS
The SA Marathons are coming and it set to be a great event. The decision to race at Cradle Moon was a stroke of genius for what the venue has to offer – the cleanest water for miles around, a great circuit to paddle plus awesome vantage points for the spectators. For the nominal entry fee of R50 your spectators also have access to common facilities; the lake and the walking and cycling trails. So get them to bring their toys too and the whole family can have a great day out. But they will have to steal themselves away for the super exciting racing. If the KZN trials are anything to go by the competition is going to be intense. The Western Cape, Gauteng and Eastern Cape trials are happening in the first weekend of June so there are going to some anxious moments waiting to see who makes it to the provincial trials and finally who puts their hands up to continue the legacy of Team SA at World Marathon Champs. In terms of the ICF rules only two boats are allowed per country per event so the completion is going to be fierce to make the team. The tough part of selection is that any of our top five male and female paddlers could represent
the country so it all comes down how one races on the day. A simple tactical error can have you out until next year’s selection. It will all come down to someone’s performance on the day and in the K2’s one’s ability to combine both on the water and in the portages. South Africa is a small country in terms of marathon paddlers but we continue to stamp our mark on the world stage. Who could forget some of our star performances from last year’s World Champs, for example the way Caitlin Mackenzie managed to get in to the leading bunch and hang on there until the end. She put up a super fright to finish 4th behind the Hungarians and Emma Russell (GBR). On day two we all held our breaths as Hamish Mackenzie and David Evans made that gallant breakaway after only two laps. Eventually they were slowly reeled in by Rask (DEN) and his partner but they held on to an inspiring 2nd place and then lost an objection which sent them down to finally be on the podium in 3rd. The men’s K1 had us on the edge as we watched the two very different paddlers Jasper Mocké and Andy Birkett take on the rest of the world. After the last portage it was just Birkett, Mocké and Boros (HUN) in it to fight out the podium positions. Birkett took the
lead going in to the turn forcing the other two to fall behind and more importantly in to his wake. In the end Birkett was able to put the hammer down and cross the finish line virtually unchallenged by his exhausted opponents. This left Boros and Mocké to fight it out for the remaining steps on the podium. It was Boros that had the better end sprint relegating Mocké to 3rd. Then on day four it was the turn of the in the Senior Women’s K2 which came down to an end sprint for the 3rd step on the podium between S.A’s Christie Mackenzie / Hayley Nixon and the second Spanish boat and the Portuguese boat. In a mad dash for the finish the Spanish boat just piped them by 1s putting them in to a wellearned 4th place overall. Next up it was the men’s K2 heat and we all remember how the Birkett/ McGregor team had a brilliant last portage where they managed to putt two boat lengths between them and the chasing pack. This forced the other four boats to paddle hard to catch them at the final turn. In the last 500m there were 5 boats with Birkett just in the lead. In the end it was the Hungarian boat of Boros that rose to the challenge and started to catch them. But Birkett/ McGregor were able to hang on to take the outstanding win. A superb way to finish the World Championships. With so much still up in the air there is still one certainty; the competition is going to be brutal and the spectating spectacular! Hope to see you there.
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 11
TIDBITS MOCKE DOWNWIND CAMPS
26 October - 2 November 2019 9-16 November 2019 18-25 January 2020 Spots in the downwind camps are filling up! If you love downwind paddling and want to improve your skills make sure you book your spot! mockepaddling.com/downwind-camps
kayak centre After years in the industry Kayak Centre is closing its doors. Their contribution to the sport will not be forgotten,. We wish them all the very best for the future! They will be missed by many!
2 June 2019
paddlefortheplanet.org Keep a look out for events in your area!
“The Bridgitte Hartley Paddling Festival showed that young, old, fast, not so fast and everyone who can sit in a boat can enjoy a day out on the water. What a great race!” Eurosteel Sport We caught up a little with Bridgitte Hartley, “I am so excited with the outcome of the event! I am so fortunate that I got to race as welll, I did a race briefing then jumped on the water with the smallest warm up. I did all the setting up the day before. It was great to have John Oliver & Asanda on the Bank for timing!.Wayne Ridden was helping with the sound and the Seals Club was helping with catering. Kim Pople did an amazing job on the mic as commentator while we were racing. The main race was such a success! It was lovely to have so many development paddlers on the water and paddlers from all ages competing. The biggest field was definitely in the junior categories which is wonderful. Everyone really loved the event & I had some wonderful sponsors helping which made the event better! I gave out loads of prizes and lucky draws. Thanks to Stihl, Eurosteel, Savunde Accountants, Gavin Starr & Associates, Save Hyper, Braca, aquelle & Seals Swimming Club!” 12 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
Ooops we got it wrong
in the Atlantic Ocean Surfski report from last issue. We said that Hayley came second in one of the legs. We are happy to announce that Hayley won all three legs of the race! Sorry We do regret any confusion that our report may have created.
pssst something NEW coming soon...
#paddle experience THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 13
CELEBRATIONS | CHRISJAN COETZEE Chrisjan Coetzee wins bronze medal in the 500m K1 at the ICF World Cup in Poznan, Poland over the weekend. Chrisjan paddled a time of 1min 40 sec, only a second and a half behind world champion Fernando Pimenta, and close behind the veteran German Tom Liebscher. This is the first time in over a decade that a South African male has managed a medal on a world stage. What makes this achievement more remarkable is the fact that Chrisjan has accomplished this
SA MARATHON CHAMPS We’ve got great news for those entering the SA Canoe Marathon Champs, 15-17 June 2019. Early bird entries go into a draw to win a Knysna Racing boat!! Get your entry in now for one or more of the SA marathon champ events held over this exciting weekend at: cradlemoonchamps.com/sachamp-entries-1
14 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
result with almost no support system. He receives no funding from the federation, has no national squad or coach, and pays his own way when he competes. At the end of May Chrisjan will be travelling to Duisberg in Germany where he will have the opportunity to do it all over again at the second World cup in June. All of this exposure can only auger well for the World Championships and Olympic qualifications later in the year.
CELEBRATIONS | HANK MCGREGOR
Our second celebration goes to Hank McGregor for a ridiculously well fought Molokai win. Although Hank has won the race on two former occasions, he has suffered a number of defeats at the hands of the current world champion, Cory Hill, over the past year. As with Chrisjan, Hank has not had the advantage of any state support. Notwithstanding a number of sponsors later in his career, Hank has been basically
self-supported (or dad supported) from his early days. With the world Ocean Racing Championships in France later this year, Hank has laid down an early marker. Hopefully our cricket players will take a leaf out of the Hank/Chrisjan book and produce the goods over the next few weeks.
CELEBRATIONS | HAYLEY NIXON
We are delighted to celebrate Hayley Nixon’s awesome paddle at the Maui Jim Molokai Challenge. Placing third at this prestigious event, Hayley continues to do South Africa proud.
IMAGE Carolynn Cameron
DOT CLOUD UPDATE
The exciting new registration and race entry system is in its final stages of being developed. The DotCloud system has taken slightly longer than we had anticipated to launch. There is a degree of frustration on all of our behalf’s. All I can guarantee you, is that this time next year we will all be ecstatic with it. In the meantime, we need to “suck it up” for a tad longer while all of the gremlins are being weeded out.
collin simpkins
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 15
2019 Ocean Racing World ChamPs 9 - 15 September France
The 2019 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships will be held in the north-west of France, at the stunningly beautiful Saint-Pierre Quiberon in Brittany. It will be the first time the World Championships are held in this region, and the first time in France.
16 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
It will also signal a return to Europe, after the previous two World Championships were held in Hong Kong (2017) and Tahiti (2015). Once again the South Africans and the Australians will be expected to perform well, especially if the conditions are challenging, but watch out for the French at home.
SA Ocean Racing Team
With The Freedom Paddle being deemed the S2 SA Champs for 2019 it made sense to host the S1 SA Champs on the same weekend.Thankfully the ever keen paddlers at Strand put their hands up to host and from them on it was all hands on deck and all eyes on the weather.The risk of running any event in Cape Town is that we can be super blessed to have a stunning weekend of clear skies and 1 – 2m swells but if Mother Nature decides it can be 50k/hr winds and 6m swells marching down the
senior men Hank McGregor Kenny Rice Jasper Mocke Nicholas Notten Andy Birkett RES: Josh Fenn
Atlantic coast.
With the best of the best gathering in Cape Town this was going to be an amazing weekend of racing.There were the local favourites for example the last year’s winners Jasper Mocké and Nic Notten, Kenny Rice and Stu Maclaren. The were up against some formidable pairing for example Hank McGregor and Andy Birkett – last year’s S2 winners at the Pete Marlin.
30km on Saturday and still have enough in the tank for the vital race on Sunday. Sunday’s race was the team selection for this year’s ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships Everyone wants to be there on the 9 – 15 September but spaces are limited – time to get your race face on!
The telling factor would be who could race the nearly
senior women Hayley Nixon Bianca Beavitt Nicole Birkett Bridgitte Hartley Michelle Burn RES: Melanie Van Niekerk
U23 men Josh Fenn Mark Keeling RES: Daniel Jacobs
U23 women Sabrina Lawrie Kyeta Purchase
U18 men Uli Hart Matt Fenn RES: Jake Schoeman
U18 women Zara Wood Kira Bester RES: Jade Wilson THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 17
IMAGE Graham Daniel 18 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
Freedom Paddle | SA S2 Champs
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 19
Biggest Cape race ever
In spite of the largest, most highly rated fleet of doubles paddlers ever to take part in a Cape Town race, the favorites stood out: it was Hank McGregor and Andy Birkett’s race to lose. In the women’s race too, no-one expected a serious challenge to current world champion Hayley Nixon, paddling with Michelle Burn. This year conditions were just about perfect for the 28km race: a very slight offshore breeze that, if anything, would cool us down on the way home, but that would do nothing to help on the way out. A 3m, 14sec swell was forecast, which would make things interesting on the exposed, western side of Robben Island. Aside from the tension present in any race, two factors made this particular edition, the second running of the Freedom Paddle, truly special: it was Freedom Day (arguably South Africa’s most emotional and important public holiday), and we’d be paddling around the iconic island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for so many years – and it was
20 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
also the South African double ski championships.
View from midpack
A row back in the starting grid, and way, way back in the rankings, yours truly took a gulp of juice, pressed the Garmin start button and contemplated the long, flat haul out to Robben Island. We had modest ambitions – to beat the crew of Nikki Mocke and Kim van Gysen. In the 2018 race, we’d been in front on the way out, but they’d smoked us on the downwind section back from the island, surging past on a better line in the challenging, technical runs.
Early Lead
The horn sounded, the fleet of 126 doubles leapt forward in a maelstrom of thrashing paddles, crisscrossed boat wakes and flying spray. At the pointy end of the mob, two boats: McGregor and Birkett (no surprise there), and defending champions Jasper Mocke and Nicholas Notten. The (multiple) world marathon champions began to pull inexorably
away and by the time they reached Robben Island, they were well ahead.
Slip-streaming
Meanwhile… the fleet following had resolved itself into long lines of slip-streaming surfskis; most crews trying hard not to be the ones at the front of a group. For a while we proceeded at a steady pace on almost completely flat water, but as we approached the southern tip of the island, small bumps began to appear and the skis began to surge forward in bursts of speed as one after another, the crews began to work the runs. The groups split, reformed, and split again and we found ourselves gaining on our nemeses, Nikki and Kim, who were chirping as usual, apparently able to carry out a full on conversation while paddling at pace that left us more or less speechless. As the runs grew, we found that we were able to surge forward, and we overtook them as we passed the small harbor and prepared to put in an interval to catch up to the next group. But, disaster, the boat jerked
Freedom Paddle | SA S2 Champs as we hit a clump of kelp with the rudder and our speed dropped drastically.
took off and pretty much timetrialed it for the last ten kilometers to the finish.”
Thankfully the beloved Nikki and Kim stopped to clear it for us, but in that brief stationary period, a dozen other skis flashed past. Oh woe!
Men’s Race
After that setback, we took a while to get going again. The women overtook us and chased their target, another female crew, while we struggled to find our rhythm.
Meanwhile… near the pointy end
Ahead of them, in the men’s race, a similar scenario had played out. Having opened up a sizeable lead, McGregor, too, had the luxury of taking a conservatively wide line around the reefs. “Jasper and Nick took a riskier, faster line on the inside,” said McGregor, “but we were happy to see that our lead was intact, and we put our heads down on the return leg and just kept opening up that lead.”
Having established a commanding lead in the women’s race, Hayley Nixon and Michelle Burn were taking it wide around the reefs at the far end of the island.
By the time we passed the half-way mark, a wrecked trawler sitting high up on the rocks, the leaders were far out of sight.
“As we turned at the island, we suddenly saw Bianca Beavitt and Melanie van Niekerk sneaking up our inside,” said Nixon. “It was pure local knowledge and it gave us a bit of a fright!
And that was when we saw the lone double taking the tiger line around the corner; they shot over the crest as the wave obliterated itself against the reef with a thunderous roar.
“I know how good Bianca is in these conditions from the Cape Point Challenge,” she went on. “So, we
Tiger Line
As one, the twenty or so other crews in sight abruptly turned 45 degrees right to find a deeper,
safer route away from the surfskiswallowing monsters. Having negotiated the turn safely, we found ourselves back in a group, but still discombobulated, now by the sloppy chop churned up by the reflected waves from the western side of the island. We battled on grimly, dropping off one slip after another until we reached the southern tip, 4km later. As we reached the flatter water, we took a deep breath, an energy gel and a long suck of juice. We accelerated again but spotted another crew in trouble. They too had hit weed and we paused to clear their rudder, passing on the favor that Nikki and Kim had done for us.
And the winners are…
At the front of the fleet, many kilometers ahead, McGregor and Birkett arrived at the finish, an overwhelming two minutes ahead of Jasper Mocke and Nicholas Notten. Kenny Rice and Stuart McLaren crossed the line in third, another 1:40 later.
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 21
It was the first time McGregor had paddled on the ocean with Birkett since they took the S2 title last year at the Pete Marlin race. “Luckily Andy let me drive,” said McGregor. In the women’s race, Nixon and Burn were about to clean up. “It was ours to lose and once we had lined up on Devil’s Peak, we managed to stay well clear of the other women’s boats,” said Nixon. The tiring Beavitt/van Niekerk had been overtaken by Olympian Bridgitte Hartley who, paddling with Sabina Lawrie crossed the finish line just over two minutes behind Nixon and Burn.
Strong finish
As for us, fortified by the gels (what DO they put in those things?), we found our rhythm again and started to reel in some of the other mid-packers, finally reaching Nikki and Kim, whose lack of training was beginning to tell. Not long after we passed them, their voices faded into silence. What could have happened? Were they sneaking up on us? Had they really hit the wall? Fearing that they’d put their race faces on, we put the hammer down. Gasping our last, we finally finished in 2:26, 60th overall out of 126 doubles and just over two minutes ahead of our rivals.
Last Words
“It was unbelievably cool to be able to paddle around Robben Island on Freedom Day,” said Hank McGregor. “We are just about the only sport that can enjoy the privilege of going around Robben Island as a way to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s legacy on Freedom Day and it was very special for all of us.” (On our particular victory, Nikki Mocke had the final word, “We’ll definitely see you next year. Be afraid!”) A truly great day out.
ROB MOUSLEY 22 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
SA S1 Champs
South African S1 Champs Strand Beach THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 23
The competition was always going to be tough, after a day of epic battles on the water the day before at the Freedom Paddle. It was going to be a question of who could recover fastest in order to do battle again for the S1 title. There was a lot on the line as the winner got the coveted title of S.A king and Queen of Surfski for a year in a country that simply loves paddling in the ocean and going downwind. Plus South Africa’s top athletes had assembled for the race so it was an accurate reflection of where ones stands at the moment amongst the greats of our sport. Added to this was the tremendous incentive as it was the selection race for the much anticipated 2019 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships which will be held on the 9 – 15 September, in the north-west of France, at the stunningly beautiful Saint-Pierre Quiberon in Brittany. Jasper Mocke was there to defend his title that he first won in 2017 in the Durban Downwind and reclaimed in 2018 at the Pete Marlin. Could he make it three in a row against such a formidable field? In the mix were paddlers that have represented SA more times than they care to remember. When the whole 2018 SA Senior Men’s Marathon team is on the start line plus U23 athletes who represented SA in Marathons and surfski last year the S1 title was going to be a hard fought battle. Hayley Nixon was there to defend her SA title from last year and secure her place in the SA team going to France in order to defend her World title. She was up against pack of ladies that is growing stronger and more determined 24 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
every year. In the pack are champions in their own right. There was the likes of Bridgitte Hartley our Olympic queen who is putting in a huge effort to represent us at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Michelle Burn and Nicky Birkett are rapidly making a return to form and with their surfski knowledge making them exciting wildcards if the wind begins to blow. Then almost sneaking in below the radar is Bianca Beavitt; winner of the Berg River Marathon and PE2EL for the last couple of years. The list goes on as we glance at the U23 paddlers like Sabina Lawrie; winner of the Scottbrugh2Brighton (to name but one of hundreds of races). The conditions at Strand Beach were sublime if you were simply there to worship the sun on one of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa. It was hot (for the Cape), barely a breath of wind and small swells rolled in from the deep. But it left the race organisers with only one choice and that was to run a gruelling out and back course over 22km. The course was simple, if you kept one eye on your opposition and another on the landmarks ahead of you. If not, one could easily head off on the wrong bearing or come in too early at the finish. The paddlers were required to head out past backline then left off to Gordons bay (Bikini Beach) around the buoys, along the cliffs and then back home again. We all waited excitedly at the
finish to see how it would all unfold. Coming in from the deep Hank McGregor was in the clear lead, being chased down by Kenny Rice. Hank got the first wave in and looked to have all sewn up but Kenny managed to get on to an outside wave and surfed on a straighter line towards the finish bringing him within metres of Hank. Hank jumped out of ski and shot off across the line to claim the title by just 16s from Kenny. Right behind them training partners and
SA S1 Champs
doubles pair Jasper Mocke and Nick Notten were fighting it out for the last step on the podium. They came in on the same wave but Nick had the straighter line to the finish by a couple of metres. Well Jasper hit the beach and with that sheer pit bull determination that we have seen so many times picked up his boat and sprinted across the finish line to beat Nick by 1s. Andy Brikett came home next to round off the top five with just over a minute between him and his next rival.
In the Ladies race all eyes were searching the swells, looking for the familiar red cap to see if both crowns were going to be handed over to new SA champs, or if she would retain her title. They did not have to wait long before the cap and Hayley Nixon crested in to sight being chased down by Bianca Beavitt. This was going to be fascinating as these two do not often compete against each other.
and over the finish line to get in just under 30 seconds ahead of Bianca. Right behind them was the ever laughing and smiling Nicky Birkett who seemed to revel in both the conditions and her return to form. The surprise of the day came moments later when Sabina Lawrie came in to take 4th ahead of her partner the day before Bridgitte Hartley.
Hayley managed to hold on to her comfortable lead through backline THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 25
IMAGES Louis Hattingh
CANOE SPRINT
olympic buildup 23 - 26 May 2019
26 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
Tokyo Olympics – Here we come Although the Olympics are next year, this is the year that everyone has to qualify. In fact it all comes down to the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships on the 21 25 August 2019 in Szeged, Hungary. To give you some idea of how big an event it is there is a massive clock already counting down the fact that there are less than 100 days to the regatta. The arena itself has just had a reported €17 million upgrade in
preparation for the event. Added to that Hungary is largely considered the powerhouse of sprinting so the home ground advantage is going to make this a challenging regatta to say in the least. In preparation of this Canoeing South Africa (CSA) has been preparing our sprinters for the last two years. As part of the preparation, CSA sent a big team to Portugal in August last year. Within the team there were new K2 and K4 combinations and athletes’ races
over new distances. By all accounts the commitment certainly paid off. The most monumental was watching Bridgitte Hartley powering her way through the last 500m to claim 3rd in the A Final W 1000m. Chrisjan and Esti were also showing that the consistent racing at that level was paying off with Esti making the B Final in the 200m and 500m. Chrisjan came 2nd in his 500m B Final. The new team of Hamish Lovemore and Cameron Hudson did extraordinarily well to make the THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 27
B Final in the K2 M 500m. The team of David Rodriques and Nick Weeks racing the M K2 1000m missed the A Final by millimetres. Lastly CSA also took the chance to enter a K4 team for the first time since 2015 in the form of Chrisjan Coetzee, Mike Arthur, David Rodriques and Nick Weeks. CSA then opted to run two sprint cups earlier this year in order to give the sprinters more experience and as a fairer way of selecting
the team to represent us this coming year. In light of Team SA’s performance last year we watched the results of the two sprint regattas in anticipation to see who would be racing this year. In May a small team of Esti, Kayla and Chrisjan opened the 2019 campaign with a solid start in Poland with Chrisjan stealing the show with his phenomenal 3rd in the M K1 500m A Final. But it was actually his 200m B Final results
that puts him squarely in line for a possible berth in the Olympics. Esti had a super K1 500m C final but has consistently made the B finals so we are sure that we will see a return to form in the next regatta. Then the three are off to Duisburg Germany where they will join up with the rest of the team.
The lineup for this the sprints in Duisburg Germany, over the first weekend in June.
LADIES Esti van Tonder Kayla de Beer Bridgitte Hartley Donna Hutton
K1 200m, 500m and K2 500m Mixed with Chrisjan K1 200m K2 200m and 500m with Donna Hutton K1 500m and K2 with Bridgitte
MEN Chrisjan Coetzee K1 200m and 500m and K2 500m mixed with Esti Louis Hattingh K1 500m and 1000m and K2 500m mixed with Bridgitte Nick Weeks K1 200m and K2 200m with David Rodrigues K4 500m is Chrisjan Coetzee, David Rodrigues, Nick Weeks and Dawie Gerber
28 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
Bridgitte Hartley on the Sprints
TPM Which events will you be doing in Duisburg? BH I will be racing K2, 500m & 200m with Donna Hutton, I am also doing a mixed K2 on Sunday with Louis Hattingh and hopefully the K1 5000m on Sunday afternoon! TPM Have you watched some of the regatta in Poland? If so how are you feeling after watching some of your competition? BH The conditions looked challenging in Poland! It’s great to see who is in good shape after the first regatta but world champs is always so much bigger!!! TPM You mentioned that you will be racing with Donna, how has the training been going? BH I have loved training in the K2
with Donna, it’s a new challenge for us so it will be great to see what results we can produce this weekend!
TPM You have been racing on your own for so long – what does it feel like having a partner? BH I actually always felt like a small break from K1 sprinting after I competed in the Rio Olympics! So it’s actually a great feeling to be going into a race with no pressure, only excitement to see what result we can produce! TPM Sprints have a different training schedule to rivers or surfski – how do you decide where to focus? BH I used to be very focused on sprinting and never do any other
disciplines! I am finding that a few races in other disciplines recently has been amazing as I have risen to the challenge of not falling out my boat so many times in a river! I finally won my first river race last year- k1 Fish River Canoe Marathon after competing 10 times! The surfski has also been a great challenge keeping my on my toes and hungry to eventually master it! When I stop sprinting then I won’t be an amateur In the rivers or in the sea. TPM This being the Olympic qualifying year – will you also race K2 in Hungary later in the year? BH My main event & focus for this year is to try qualify the K2 for South Africa to compete in Tokyo. THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 29
IMAGES Graham Daniel 30 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
The mighty Umko…
the name itself conjures up image of huge waves, a mighty river and a challenge beyond the reach of most paddlers. Nothing could be further from the truth.Yes, this river is big, and the last un-damned river in South Africa but it provides for some of the most exciting paddling any canoeist could ever wish for. Safety is paramount to the incredible organisers, with Terry Drummond & his Team from Kingfisher Canoe Club, doing an incredible job, along with Rob Hill and the CSA Safety Team who know this river inside and out. And there are local residents like Mike & Kim Woodburn who contribute to the continued growth and success of this race by providing back-up, logistics, support, river information and the likes to keep paddlers involved in what is happening on this river. Modern communication channels make this possible. Join the “Umko Levels” group and you’ll receive almost daily updates on the state of the river - such is the level of commitment of those attached to this race and river. But it is far more than a race, it is an adventure. Just ask the team from Hella Hella (the overnight stop point) who are an integral part of this community, success of the race and source of valuable information. As well as an incredible place to adventure in nature both during, after and before the race itself. When we start considering all these people into the equation, we find that this “adventure” actually exists for 12 months of THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 31
the year with paddlers going from one event to the next - evident by the number of paddlers who have completed multiple editions of the Umko, which began in 1966. Charles Mason is testament to this fact, as he has completed each and every Umko since inception - it becomes a lifestyle you can’t avoid. The adrenalin of the river runs through your veins like a drug pulling you back each year. So what is it about this race (adventure) and river which lures everyone back year after year? Is it the thrill of the rapids simply named and numbered from 1 - 8? Or is it the fact that there is a rapid called Toilet Bowl. Or is it the stories you hear being told after each race? Whatever the answer there are a few facts which remain constant
32 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
year after year: • Its the least raced race on the calendar • Finishers are the most admired paddlers • The river is the most pristine river in terms of natural bush, vegetation and wildlife along its banks • There are no dams given total uncertainty to the levels of the river every year • Its the closest high volume river to the major city centres of Durban & Pietermaritzburg • The organisers provide world class safety and security at all points • The thrill of the adventure supersedes all challenges which may arise.
The bottom line is that each and every paddler needs to experience this two day river journey for themselves. They might not become a better paddler after finishing the race or a proud owner of a medal, badge or insignia claiming some unsubscribed rights but they sure will become better people for having an experience of a lifetime through a pristine piece of the world, seemingly untouched by the ravages of mankind, renewing their faith in humanity to restore and respect everything that is nature.
GRAHAM DANIEL
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 33
34 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
IMAGE Maui Jim Molokai Challenge
Molokai magic THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 35
The Molokai is THE race on the surfski calendar.Yes there are races that offer more prizes money, are the same distance but the Molokai is the holy grail of surfski paddling. Added to this Shaw and Partners had thrown in an additional $5 000 for the men’s and lady winners if they smash the current records. In the build-up it was super exciting to see our athlete’s posts about getting ready and the interviews once they got there were great. The excitement was building.
36 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
The day broke to fantastic clips from REVO Kayaks showing just what we had hoped for – Sunny skies and a light easterly wind (15 – 20knts). The 4-6 ft. swells seemed to be running in more of a southerly direction so it would not be plain sailing but really close to perfect conditions for everyone. All the paddlers had to do was negotiate the shore break and then point their skis towards Oahu some 52km away across the Channel of Bones.
Ladies Race
For those of us at home that have been watching Hayley Nixon’s performance at the recent Freedom Paddle and South African S1 Champs and Rachel Clarkes training in the run up to the Molokai may
have bet even money on both of them to take the title once again (Rachel 2014, 2017) and Hayley (2018). But we may have made a mistake in forgetting that the last time the top ladies competed was in the Perth Doctor in November last year. In that race it came down to Georgia sprinting it out with Olympic kayaker Naomi Flood for first place with the others finishing over a minute behind them. Across the line it was Georgia 1st, Hayley 4th, Rachel 6th and Wendy Reyntjes 8th. In our excitement we may have also forgotten that Jordon Mercer came third last year and currently holds the record for the crossing on a paddle board. So we were a little surprised to see the pace at which Jordon and Georgia shot off the line. Realising that it is a 53km race across the channel we were left wondering how long they could maintain such a pace. From the start of the race Rachel followed them so it was essentially Jordon, Georgia and Rachel in the top three with Hayley, Bonnie Hancock and Wendy Reyntjes following right behind them. It was only about an hour in to the race that there was a noticeable gap started to
IMAGES Aue Kapaku
open between Jordan who was still pushing the pace, Georgia hanging on and Rachel started to slip back. Hayley and Bonnie were trailing about 30 seconds behind. By the two hour mark the gap between the top five had started to widen and there was about a 300m gap between Jordan still in first and Hayley in fifth position. The last we saw was Jordan and Georgia in a comfortable lead of about two to three minutes with Bonnie, Rachel and Hayley lying pretty much tie. So Hayley must have put in a huge effort to separate herself from the chasers and put herself in line for a podium position. Jordan just kept up her amazing relentless pace and even managed turn on more power coming in to the finish in order to give her almost three minutes on Georgia who claimed the second step. Both Jordan and Georgia managed to finish under the 2018 record time. Hayley came in four minutes behind Georgia to close off the podium positions. RESULTS 1. Jordan Mercer 03:47:22 - New Record 2. Georgia Laird 03:50:34 - under the 2018 record 3. Hayley Nixon 03:54:57
4. Rachel Clarke 03:57:34 5. Bonnie Hancock 04:00:55
mens Race
The men’s race was an exciting tussle between South African favourite Hank McGregor, Australian champion Cory Hill and local favourite Patrick Dolan in his unmistakable green ski. Right from the start Hank and Cory seemed to pace off each other with Hank taking the lead and Cory happy to follow close behind him. Patrick on the other hand seemed determined to paddle his own race and shot off to the side on his own route across the channel seemingly unperturbed by the titanic battle happening to the north of him. His ability to put his head down and set his own pace was fascinating to watch. The men’s race came down to an end sprint along China Wall after a 50+ km paddle across the Channel of Bones between Hank McGregor and Cory Hill. At Koko Head Hank had taken an inside line and Cory was lying slightly deeper but as Cory moved in he caught Hank and then overtook him slightly. Hank kept on the tiger’s line close to wall but Cory probably remembering his 2016 experience of hitting the reef opted to move a little deeper and suddenly it was game on to
see who would catch the first wave and make it stick. In the ensuing dice, Hank had managed to get a ten metre lead on Cory and it was just enough to allow him to catch a wave that he was able to surf for a considerable distance along the wall. Cory on the other hand missed Hanks wave and the one following behind that putting him about 150m behind Hank. As Hank started the paddle across the channel he fell out and we all waited to see if it was enough for Cory to catch him. In a flash Hank was back in his ski and powering his way to his fourth amazing win at the Maui Jim Molokai Challenge. RESULTS 1. Hank McGregor 03:11:17 - New Record 2. Cory Hill 03:11:51 - under the 2018 record 3. Patrick Dolan 03:13:00 - under the 2018 record 4. Alastair Day 03:16:39 5. Joshua Fenn 03:17:48 A big shout out to Sam on Rachel Clarke’s boat and Tim from Ocean Pladdler TV for their awesome coverage of the race without whom this race report would not be possible.
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 37
38 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
IMAGES Supplied by Kayak Clube Castores do Arade
SURFSKI champs THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 39
The Lagoa Downwind is held in the coastline of the city of Lagoa, Algarve. The start is in “Praia Grande” (meaning Big Beach in Portuguese) in Ferragudo and goes through to Nossa Senhora da Rocha Beach (meaning Our Lady of the Rocks). The race has 14km (first or last 800m) in the Arade river depending on the course direction, and the course goes from West to East which is the normal direction of the wind in this area. The West Side of Algarve is known as “Barlavento” which means the place from where the wind blows and in the afternoon we always have a N/NW wind with perfect downwind conditions. If the wind blows from SE we change the course direction. We call the SE wind the “Levante” and normally means big waves (+ 3 meters). It is organized by Kayak Clube Castores do Arade. We are a Club
located in Lagoa, Algarve, and race Canoe Sprint and Ocean Racing. The main Club building is located 6km up the Arade River in Mexilhoeira da Carregação and the Ocean Racing facilities are located in Praia Grande in Ferragudo. We work in collaboration with the City Municipality of Lagoa which is our main supporter. It would be impossible, without the support from the Municipality to have a race like this. We don’t charge entries fees and we don’t’ award prize-money, although we give the athletes free snacks and water after the race. The race is open for people from all over the World. We have race insurance for non national federations associated athletes. Racers from Spain are a regular presence in our races and very welcome.
This year we had a breeze of 12 knots with up to 1m waves. We expected some more wind but we had a temperature rise two days before (30ºC in April) and normally the wind decreases when that happens. The feedback from the athletes was good because they had waves, a bit technical but a lot of fun. João Ruivo Santos, from Club Náutico de Sesimbra, was the winner of the men’s race and Sara Rafael, from Club Náutico do Litoral Alentejano, was the winner of the women’s race. In the men’s race it was the first time an athlete repeated the victory. João was also the winner last year. In the previous six editions we had six different mens winners (Oscar Chalupsky won in 2016). The men’s 2nd place was Fábio Cameira from Alhandra SC Club and 3rd place was Margo Gomes from Club Naval do Funchal,
surfski portugal 40 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
wich is a Club in Madeira Island.
Sporting Club and 3rd place was Sofia Coelho from Club Náutico de Sesimbra.
João Santos – 1:03:00,90 Fábio Cameira – 1:03:48,88 Marco Gomes – 1:04:28,28 (Fábio Cameira was later disqualified because he failed the podium ceremony. It is a National rule, but for the race history we keep his result)
The race is part of the National Championship and we also have Junior and Master categories (SS1 and SS2).
is associated with a National phenomenon of Ocean Racing growing numbers. We have seven stages in the National Championship, with races from the North to the South of Portugal and also in the Portuguese archipelagos of Madeira and Azores. The National Championships also includes the Nelo Summer Challenge World Cup in Viana do Castelo.
This year we had 186 athletes racing. The number of participants is increasing year after year. It
Orlando Silva
Sara Rafael – 1:13:53,10 Nara Varela – 1:19:05,15 Sofia Coelho – 1:19:57,59
Sara Rafael has won all the previous editions. She is “Lagoa’s Downwind Queen”. This year’s 2nd place was Nara Varela from Alhandra
Portuguese National Championships Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Stage 7
Lagoa, Algarve Portimão, Algarve Lagoa, Azores Islands (same City name but it’s just a coincidence) Vila Nova de Milfontes, Odemira Nelo Summer Challenge,Viana do Castelo Funchal, Madeira Island Oeiras (near Lisbon)
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 41
Opinion
PFD Matters
42 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 43
An instructional piece that I read recently advised paddlers to remove their Personal Flotation Device (PFD) when caught in a weir. This reminded me of the period when I started doing river races in the early 90s. Back then, PFDs were not compulsory at most river races, and certainly not on flatwater. When CSA got more serious about safety and insisted on the wearing of PFDs, there was a lot of resistance to this decree. After all, it was cool to be so good that you didn’t need to wear a PFD to paddle rapids…
44 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
The reluctance to wear a PFD, and the advice to remove a PFD when caught in a weir, both come from the same place: an unhealthy mixture of ego and ignorance. Probably more ego in the notwearing-of and more ignorance in the removal of a PFD, but the effect is nonetheless the same. There are many legalities involved regarding PFDs and it is an ongoing battle to get CSA, SAMSA, commercial operators and paddlers aligned. In my opinion, this is simply a matter of statistics, common sense and creating safe habits. When you get in a car, you don’t think about the trip you’re about to take and then decide whether a safety belt is a good idea or not.You simply put the safety belt on. When you get on a motorbike or bicycle, you put your helmet on. There is no serious thought process: it has been proven beyond doubt that safety belts, helmets and PFDs save lives. In the USA, where the paddling industry is much more mature, incidents (both fatal and nonfatal) have been recorded in much detail for many years. At a seminar that I attended in Oklahoma a few months ago, hosted by the ACA (American Canoe Association), statistics were shared about the number of paddlingrelated drownings that occurred on lakes, rivers and the ocean. A surprising number of drownings occurred on flatwater, on clear days, where paddlers either didn’t take a PFD along at all or they attached their PFD to the deck of their kayak thinking that they would ‘just’
grab it to put on while in the water if they capsized. This almost never works. On flatwater, it is easy to think that a PFD is not needed, especially if you are a good paddler and a strong swimmer. The reality is that shit happens.Your muscles could cramp and prohibit you from being able to swim.You could suffer a heart attack and be unable to keep your head above water.You could be knocked unconscious by a motorboat or jet ski.You may simply be too tired to even tread water. A PFD, if you were wearing it, would keep you afloat, make it easier for would-be rescuers to spot you, and give rescuers something to grab to get you out of the water. On rivers, wearing a PFD at all times is even more of a no-brainer. There are so many more reasons why you might not be able to swim if you exit your boat. Without the added buoyancy that a PFD provides, you will have big downtime every time you swim through a hole and you will disappear on eddylines for extended periods.You fatigue much faster if you try keep afloat without a PFD. The simple fact is that your chance of drowning increases exponentially if you do not have a PFD on. Apart from being stupid, it is also incredibly selfish to force others into the position of having to try rescue you without being able to see you properly, and without anything to grab. On the ocean, it appears that surfski paddlers are now going through the same process that river racers went through not too long ago: having to adapt their mindset to the benefits of wearing PFDs even though it doesn’t look as macho when paddling through the surf… It is true that it is easier to swim in the surf without a PFD. But, to quote a friend, “it is much easier to drown without one”. To be clear, unconscious people have been saved because of their PFDs. People who have been lost
have been found because of their PFDs. Countless exhausted paddlers have recovered from bad swims by simply floating down the river in their PFD. To get back to the weir issue that I raised earlier: If you get stuck in a weir, KEEP YOUR PFD ON! Below are the correct steps to deal with weirs:
1 2 3 4 5
Avoid running weirs, especially if no safety has been set up. If you swim and get trapped in a weir, keep your PFD on but let go of your boat and other equipment. Swim towards the weir (upstream). Go down with the current and swim with the current (downstream) beyond the boil line (line between suck back and outflow). Make your way to the closest bank and get out of the water.
It is a common misconception that it is not actually possible to do step number four with a PFD on. I can assure you that it is very much possible to dive down with the current. I have personally done it countless times during swiftwater training exercises, and a couple of times when I got stuck and couldn’t extract myself from the weir without leaving the comfort of my boat. If a hydraulic is strong enough to keep you trapped, it is almost guaranteed that there is sufficient water coming over the drop for you to use the flow to get yourself down and under the boil. The key is to actively get yourself into the water that is falling over the drop. You can’t try to stay away from it and then somehow try to get under the water. That is exactly how people drown in weirs; they try swim away on the surface,
which is impossible. Eventually they get too tired to work against the current that flows back towards the weir. The current then pushes them into the water falling over the drop, which takes them down and flushes them out, but by this time they have no energy left and they drown. If there is not sufficient water coming over the drop to help you get down and out, then the water at the bottom is either not very deep, which means you can just stand up and walk out, or it is not too turbulent, which means you should be able to stabilise yourself well enough to work towards the side of the weir, where you could most likely get out or get help. You may wonder whether there is ever a time when it is a good idea to take off your PFD. The answer is yes, there is one situation that may necessitate it. If you get caught in a bad strainer, like getting stuck in the branches underneath a tree block or in rebar after a man-made obstacle, and you simply cannot get out of it after a good period of struggling, only then may it be a good option to take off your PFD. But, even in this situation, taking off your PFD is a last resort, not the first call of action.
• Shape and design of the jacket must allow freedom to twist and lean the torso. Although not an official specification, I would add this: make sure your PFD has a bright colour. It makes rescue operations so much simpler if you are easy to spot. As an added bonus, a bright PFD looks better in pictures too! Finally, if I may adapt a common meme that is doing the rounds: It is lekker to survive a swim because you kept your PFD on. Don’t be a doos. Be lekker. CELLIERS KRUGER
For completeness sake, below are the PFD specifications as currently specified by SAMSA and CSA: • It must be able to float a minimum of 6kg lead weight. • It must carry the appropriate labelling. • It must be in sound condition. • It must not be loose fitting. THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 45
Cape Town to Salvador Surfski in the Extreme 46 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 47
In 2011 he made his first attempt to paddle around the coast of South Africa. After damaging two skis and being robbed of everything he was forced to postpone his plans. In 2012 he regrouped for a second attempt to paddle from the Namibian border to the Mozambique border. After 70 days on the water (and even more on tour), numerous encounters with the wildlife along our shores and some sever thumping getting through the waves he managed to paddle a daunting 3,300km and complete his mission. Some call him coach, some call him the Kingsley Holgate of the seas others whisper his name when it comes to the non-stop Berg Marathon. We call him Richard Kohler and he is about to embark on a new adventure. The moment we heard about it we dropped everything and rushed off to ask him about it. TPM Richard we heard that there is a new adventure on the horizon – please tell us more? RK I want to paddle a surfski across the Atlantic. The planned route is Cape Town to Salvador which is
IMAGES Richard Kohler 48 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
6200 km as the crow flies but in all likelihood I will paddle closer to 7000km to get there. TPM How long do you think it will take you to paddle the 7000km?
RK It’s a difficult one to predict. I would like to average at least 100km a day and that’s depending on the weather conditions on the day and how heavy all the gear and the boat is. These are somewhat unknown
factors. It’s a bit of a Catch-22 the heavier the boat is the long it’ll take meaning the more food I’ll have to take which means a heavier boat which means longer it’ll take etc TPM How long will your surfski be? RK The craft itself is going to be between 7m and 8m long and about 80 to 90 cm wide, so about as long as a double surfski and a little bit wider than the entry-level surfski. TPM Do you follow a particular diet and will you try maintain that while doing this epic journey?
RK Diet that’s an interesting one for the past 5 years I have been loosely following the ketogenic diet and I would very much like to continue doing that for the crossing ie using mostly fat for fuel. The problem with this is that fat is not ideal for freeze dried food and one of my many challenges will be finding the right way to tackle this. I am hoping to get assistance from the gurus on this matter. TPM Have you started experimenting with freeze dried foods yet? RK As far as freeze-dried foods go
I have had very little experience or any real opportunity to test them but for a craft of this size to take enough food for 70 or 80 days it’s the only option to keep kayak the weight down. TPM The people that have rowed across have had ‘cabins’ to sleep in – what are you going to do? RKThe definition of a “cabin” is a private room or compartment, so yes I will have a cabin but talking about a cabin sounds quite luxurious as opposed to a small space that you can crawl into and put your head down and sleep.
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 49
It’s as high as my head is when I’m sitting down so from the water level to the top of the compartment is about 100cm and slightly wider than my shoulders which enable me to sit and lie down. TPM How will you cope with not standing for the length of the journey? RK The issue of not being able to stand or walk is very much an unknown factor. a big concern about not being able to stand up and move around is the issue of salt/ pressure sores on my derriere. Being constantly damp and especially in the salty environment the pressure sores develop very easily and if you don’t treat them they will quickly
50 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
develop into boils and oozzing abacesses which is not pretty and a serious concern. Angry bum is one of the most important issues that I will need to monitor and manage. TPM What are some of the challenges you envision to this trip? RK Besides the issues that we have discussed freshwater is a key issue. I will probably require about 10L of water a day. The desalinator, batteries and solar panels associated with making fresh water account for about 50% of the kayak weight. Many expeditions encounter issues with their water maker either from electrical issues due to not enough sun or mechanical issues often forcing one
to make water by hand or worst case the end of expedition. The last thing I would need is to have to pump for three hours a day on top of the paddling. Another unknown is the time spent on your own. There are very few people who have spent a whole week on their own let alone three or four months in a tiny kayak in the middle of the ocean. I think this is going to be my greatest challenge which I look forward too but it’s also the one thing I am most apprehensive about. TPM Wayne Roberstson tells a story of nearly being run over by a ship – are you not you worried about that considering you are even
smaller? RK Of course there is some concern of being run over by a ship but being such a small craft chances of being run over statistically must be very small. If the budget allows I will have AIS (automatic identification system) transponder onboard which will give me warning of shipping in my vicinity and also transmit my location to the ships in the area. Side note I would imagine the bow wave of a big commercial ship would most likely push a kayaker of my size out of its way as opposed to running it down and cutting it in half. TPM You must have had lots of
thoughts on the ski design in terms of storing food, personal shelter and housing the electrical equipment RKThe design of the ski is an ongoing process. I have come up with many considerations that keep evolving while I try and find an optimal solution. I have looked at outriggers, water tanks and keel options for stability. Do I paddle from the front the middle or the back of the kayak. Should the rudder be under-stern or overstern. Ideally how long and how wide should the kayak be?
months. So make sure you read the forth coming editions to see the progress and put your thinking cap on for ideas that may help Richard. If your office brainstorms designs for the surfski we would love to hear it or if you think that you have a solution to the water or electricity issues pop us a line and we would be delighted to look in to it!
We are so excited about this journey that we will be tracking Richards’s progress in the coming
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 51
IMAGES Supplied SA Canoe Polo
Arnold Classic
The canoe polo leg of the 2019 Arnold Classic Africa event took part in Sandton, Johannesburg over the weekend of the 19th and 20th of May. The Arnold classic is a huge sporting festival, held over six continents every year and featuring a huge array of sports. Canoe polo was fortunate to be invited to this years event and the exposure for the sport was great! The tournament had 11 teams taking part for the honours in this inaugural event. The players taking part were a mixture of complete beginners through to National team
54 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
members of both the South African and Namibian teams. The first day was the pool leg with the 11 teams split into two pools. Following the pool legs, the semi-finals and positional finals took place on the final day. The event was held at the Crawford College pool which is a 25m pool so the games were run slightly differently to a usual canoe polo event. Teams were only allowed four players at a time on the water and each team was required to have at least one female player in their team. Quite a few teams had more than one female in the teams and this shows the depth in the sport at the moment. Due to the compacted schedule, games consisted of two halves of only eight minutes each. With such a short time for each game, the games became extremely frantic with the average number of goals scored per game at over eight goals. The Mavericks team were the most devestating in goals with 67 goals scored in their seven games!
Three “come and try� events were held during the weekend and this due a huge number of new people to try out this fantastic sport. During the 2nd come and try event, the organisers ran out of spare boats for the enthusiastic kids to use! Arnold Schwarzenegger also paid the event a visit and took some time from his busy schedule to take photos with the players as well as meeting CSA Polo Chairman, Chris de Bree. After the pool leg of the tournament was complete it was the Super Heros and Deck Hands who took the top honours in their pools and progressed to the semifinals where they faced off against the Mavericks and Terminators respectively. The Super Heros took a comfortable 7-4 win over the Mavericks while the Deck Hands were made to work hard in their semi-against the Terminators. The fight for 5th and 6th was tight as Most Muscular took a 4-3 win over Alt-F4 in extra time. An
interesting fact about these teams is that they were both entirely made up of u21 national squad members. 7th and 8th was another tight game with Spartans just edging Bashers 1-0. River Rats took 9th position with ease after a 5-1 win over Itchy & Scratchy. The competition for the 3rd spot on the podium was tough and the Terminators put up a valiant effort until the Mavericks found another gear to take the win 6-1. The final was an equally riveting game with no team having a clear lead. In the final two minutes the Deck Hands levelled the scores to 4-4 setting up a potential extra-time game until Super Heros managed to win a penalty inside the 6m with just 30 seconds on the clock and the Super Heros managed to put the winning shot in to give the Super Heros a historic win at the inaugural Arnold Classic canoe polo tournament!
DON WEWEGE
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 55
Some of the Action
56 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 57
setting a speed
IMAGE Anthony Grote 58 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 59
Ocean racing is not just about pacing yourself against the clock, because there might be someone who can match your speed, read the sea more effectively or perhaps paddle with more endurance. Determine the time that provides the potential to win according to the conditions, then calculate an average course speed, being ready to adjust it according to what your rivals come up with. The objective should be to use your combination of speed and endurance as effectively as possible, for the distance. Being over eager to get ahead in the early stages can lead to complications towards the finish.You don’t want to go out too fast only to struggle later, nor do you want to set a pace at which you still have energy to burn at the finish.
Stroking with technique Competing does not mean neglecting your technique. Good technique is essential, because it provides rhythm and consistency, promoting the efficient use of resources.Your stroke can deteriorate as you fatigue, diminishing your competitive potential and limiting your tactical
options. Paddling with technique engages the appropriate muscles at the optimal stroke rate. An efficient technique could encompass two modes, a maintenance mode and a speed mode that you employ at strategic times.You might determine these as a percentage of your sprint speed or maximum heart rate.
Keeping in a bunch
Bunch paddling allows you to keep with particular paddlers.You move with less effort and have to decide when breaking away can be to your advantage. It is a tactical decision to keep in a bunch or make way on your own, but often you have little option. Given the choice, get into a bunch that is moving at the speed you can manage. Going too fast and getting dropped can be physically draining. When getting dropped or choosing to paddle on your own, it becomes a race with little reference to other contenders, meaning that you have to switch to time trial mode.
Adjusting the pace
On your own or in the protection
IMAGE Photos By Carolyn J Cooper 60 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
of a bunch, the potential for speed will vary on sectors of the course. Be wary in a bunch situation when fatigued, because if the bunch senses any distress, it can purposely collaborate to eject you. Aim to approach the finish near to the front of the pack or an earmarked rival, maintaining pace at your most efficient speed.You have little option except to back off when paddling above your comfort zone for too long. Backing off means sustaining the pace at which you can still cope, but being able to progressively recover.
Maintaining an average speed
A high average speed allows you to work your way towards the line, which is preferable to sporadic bursts of speed that dig deep into your resources. While maintaining an average speed, frequently adjust your stroke to allow the muscles in your powertrain to recover. On a complex course, you might set average speeds for certain sectors. Don’t anticipate a high actual speed against an eight knot headwind or two knot sea current. kevin brunette
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 61
Watuni Novice Race
Vaal River | May 2019 Every start of the new paddling season Watuni hosts a Novice race. This is to introduce new paddlers to our sport, remind all the long-absent paddlers what fun paddling is, and to start getting everyone psyched up for the new season – in other words, to check out the competition. This year we were privileged with having the race take place on the Vaal River instead of on the Klip River. Now for those that don’t know the rivers, the difference might not seem all that obvious, but I believe that most paddlers would attest that the Klip is quite scary for first-timers. The race started at Camp River Lake and ended
62 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
approximately 20km later at Smiling Thru. This stretch of river has quite a few eddies, sand banks, and flow increases, but not what our experienced paddlers call, “rapids”. Needless to say, there were a few swims, but overall, it was a great day to be on the water! Saturday started out pretty warm, which was a great improvement on the recent winter winds we’ve been experiencing in Gauteng. The paddlers were blessed with a high flow river and low wind race –near perfect conditions for the novices! Wongama Makasi & Connor Erwee, U18, were the first paddlers home, in a stunning time of 1 hour, 26 minutes!
Close on their tail, was Veteran, Kobus Filmalter. Liam Stewart, U21, was the last paddler to round up the podium. Kobus Erasmus & Van Pleten were the first Senior paddlers to finish. Under 16, Ruan van Pletzen, came home in 1h51. Our youngest novice and paddler of the day, was Nicholas Erwee, U14. Husband and wife team, JP & Martie Pienaar were the first Sub Grand Masters to finish. Deo Kearns & Christina Breedste were the first Masters in a time of 2h16m. The Great Masters of the day were once again John Rowen & Mike Howard. Natali Coetzee
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 63
Why You Need A Paddle Coach
(yes, you!)
64 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
New golfers don’t hesitate to seek guidance from an instructor to develop an effective swing, especially if their handicap is high and they are known for leaving a divot trail. In tennis, gymnastics, cricket, karate, archery and a multitude of other sports, coaches are commonplace. Why then do we hop into any kayak, pick up a paddle and just like that take up the sport? Paddling, like golf, is a technical discipline where equipment choice, boat setup and stroke technique are best guided by a coach. Bad habits are easily entrenched because out on the water we don’t have a mirrored wall to check our posture and form, and anything that works to move a kayak forwards sticks. In no particular order, because these are all important, here are five reasons why all paddlers should book a session with a paddle coach.
#1 Kayak Choice
If you can ride a bicycle, you can ride Lance Armstrong’s bike
without falling off. This is not true for paddling Hank McGregor or Bridgitte Hartley’s kayaks.
multiday touring, paddling for fitness, river racing and competitive sprints differ.
“Choosing the wrong boat, one that is too advanced, is a mistake that both beginner and long-time paddlers make,” says Johannesburg-based paddle coach Russell Willis.
Paddlers with experience need to realistically consider that the kayak they are paddling may too advanced. Tell-tale signs include bad posture, poor stroke technique and swimming down rapids too frequently. A coach is able to recommend suitable boats and will know how to correct weaknesses in form and technique that have developed as a result of compromising for instability.
He describes the common scenario of paddler with 20 years of experience giving a friend their boat-locker key and encouraging, with good intention, the friend to use their boat. This is a sure-fire way to entrench the belief that paddling is the sport of Olympic gods and not the average Joe. With the right kayak, the friend will be back again and again. One swim too many and they’ll never return. Indeed, a K1 really is not the best kayak for a first-time paddler. A coach will start beginners in a kayak that they can stabilise, guiding them step-by-step. The coach will also ensure that the paddler doesn’t run before they can walk by guiding kayak choice over time. Boat choice is also connected to the paddler’s aspirations. Boats for kayak fishing,
#2 Paddle Choice
What water type? What paddle? What length? What blade? Are the four questions that Willis asks. Incorrect paddle selection is as common as choosing the wrong boat. “For flat water, the blade is bigger and the shaft length is longer than that of a river paddle.You don’t pull as long or as aggressively on a river and
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 65
strokes are faster on flat water,” Willis explains. He adds that paddlers typically underspend on paddles and he has observed that many paddlers use the same paddle for flat water and river where they should buy dedicated paddles for each type of water. Coaches can advise on the correct paddle length and blade type for the boats that you paddle across the paddling disciplines.
#3 Stroke technique
Just putting a paddle into the water and pulling it backwards will move you forwards; but this is not necessarily efficient. Good technique can be developed but it is not a skill that is easy to learn and perfect on your own. It takes a coach to be able to identify faults and apply corrections. “There is nothing harder to un-teach than how a person grips the paddle,” Willis says. This includes correctly placing and distancing the hands on the shaft, and the grip of the control hand on a feathered paddle. Willis uses techniques like marking the shaft for hand position and using an insert/bump to position the fixed hand. “Holding a paddle correctly has nothing to do with handedness. It is about what you learn with,” Willis says. Like right-handers, most lefthanded South African paddlers keep their right hand fixed to rotate the shaft in their left hand. This has advantages because if a lefty breaks a paddle, a right-handed replacement is more common. “If you don’t feather correctly, there is usually less bite on the left causing the paddle to ‘wheel spin’.This leads to compensation in other areas of the stroke.” In terms of technique, Willis identifies placement of the blade in the water as key and this is related 66 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
to the cycle of height, reach, catch and pause. Whether a paddler is using a flat blade or wing, the blade placement is the same and paddling principles overlap. A coach will assess and correct how the paddle is held and feathered, and they will provide drills to improve technique. Using video, a coach can point out where your strengths and weakness lie. This helps you to realise how to adjust your movements to achieve better technique. Willis says that coaching a beginner from Day 1 gets the principles correct and that hard-core techniques only follow later. “Even if you have been paddling for a while, don’t wait - go see a coach,” Willis advises. “Book nothing less than two sessions and then continue to develop your stroke in the right direction on your own.” Willis’ experience has proven that even good paddlers benefit from technique practice.
#4 Kayak setup
Partnered with boat selection is kayak setup. This includes getting the distance between the footrest and seat correct to ensure sufficient bend in the knees, and the right seat position (where the seat position can be adjusted), which distributes your weight along the length of the kayak. When a paddler feels stable, their confidence grows and instead of focusing on not falling into the water, they can concentrate on stroke, rotation and pushing through their legs. From his experience, Willis has seen men struggle more than women when learning to paddle. “Guys generally have worse balance than women.They carry their weight in the upper body; women carry it in their hips,” he explains. Willis encourages new paddlers to give it a few chances. He reminds us of the basics that
improve stability like initially removing the seat of a K1 to lower the paddler’s centre of gravity, sitting the correct distance from the pedals and initially paddling using only your hands in the water.
#5 Steering
K1, K2 and surfski paddlers have pedals and a rudder to steer their kayaks; most recreational kayaks are rudderless and steering is by means of paddle strokes. While, learning paddle strokes would benefit those with rudders (rudder cables can snap!), this is an essential skill for recreational paddlers. Zigzagging across the water primarily because of imbalances in paddle placement, pull and hand position is frustrating. With instruction from a coach and some drills to cement skills, paddling becomes a whole lot more fun when you can steer a kayak where you want it to go. With coaching, your learning phase is over faster. Proper kayak and paddle selection, boat setup and correct technique improve your enjoyment of paddling and limit both injury and fatigue. Consulting a coach does not tie you in for weekly classes. Instead, the sessions give you skills to develop in the right direction on your own. A check-up will see you well on your way and a top-up, maybe even years later, will only further your paddling. Even Olympians have coaches.
lisa de speville
FIND A COACH As paddling coaching doesn’t quite pop up in Google searches, ask your nearest paddling club. They will be able to refer you an appropriate coach.
WESTERN CAPE Milnerton Canoe Club Century City Canoe Club Stellenbosch Canoe Club Peninsula Canoe Club Paarl Canoe Club
Greg van Heerden 083 459 9318 Richard Kohler 083 299 6569 Tamika Haw Peter Cole Wayne August 0849055268 EASTERN CAPE Eastern Cape Union Marie Louw KWA ZULU NATAL KNCU Union John Oliver 082-5502859 GAUTENG Gauteng Canoe Union 083 267 7184 Dabulamanzi Canoe Club Jason 011 486 0979 Florida Lake Canoe Club Jennie Dallas 082 857 8571 CENTRAL DISTRICTS Central Districts Canoe Union Waldo van der Linde 072 184 9090
Russell Willis coached the author of this article when she first started paddling regularly. “I was taking a team of novices to the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge in 2008 and we were in for 120km of sea kayaking. I turned to Russell to correct and improve my technique and to teach my teammates how to paddle. He built us an efficient style for longdistance paddling. For three years, Russell coached me and my teammates (new ones each year). While I benefitted from his instruction, I also observed
5movesahead@live.co.za richk@mweb.co.za 16072294@sun.ac.za orkatraining@gmail.com
info@eccu.co.za kncuad@sai.co.za info@gcu.co.za manager@dabulamanzi.co.za jenniedallas23@gmail.co.za info@stroke2max.com
the transformation in my teammates from complete novices to decent and competent paddlers in a short space of time. Consistent paddling, two to three times a week, entrenched what Russell taught us.” Lisa continues to benefit from occasional coaching as she learns new paddle strokes for white water kayaking and canoe polo from those with more insight and experience at her paddling club, Likkewaan Canoe Club in Parys.
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 67
23- 29 JUNE 2019 The Fishhoek Beach Sports Club ran an awesome competition to win a trip to the Mauritius Ocean Classic! What an awesome prize and opportunity. Their winner is an elated Andrew Hall:
“So stoked to have won the trip, and very grateful to Fish Hoek Beach Sports Club and the sponsors - Mauritius Ocean Classic week is something I’ve wanted to do for years. I’ve done a few Cape Point Challenges in an S2, but really looking forward to spending time in a single ski, and I’m sure learning a lot about downwind paddling in the week before the race. I can’t think of a better place to spend a week than on an island with mates, paddling in a warm sea!” We wish Andrew all the best and look forward to catching up with him when he gets back.
68 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
IMAGE Mauritius Ocean Classic
ON THE CARDS FOR THE WEEK Program and planning of the week, race dates, race format and timing can be modified each day according to weather conditions and for any other matter beyond our control. Sunday 23 June 9 - 10.30am & 2 - 4pm Event admin, registration and ski issue. Monday 24 June 8.30 - 9.30am Event admin, registration and ski issue. 8.30am Shuttle leaves from LUX* Le Morne to JPH Boathouse Tamassa hotel. 11am Downwind paddle start – finish at Embafilao at Le Morne (Participation subject to conditions and individual skills). 5 - 6pm Welcoming Cocktail at Embafilaos Restaurant at Le Morne Beach, overview of the week. Tuesday 25 June 8.30 - 9.30am Event admin, registration and ski issue. 8.30am Shuttle leaves from LUX* Le Morne to JPH Boathouse
Tamassa hotel. 11am Downwind paddle start – finish at Embafilao at Le Morne (Participation subject to conditions and individual skills). 3 - 4pm Paddle Clinic at Tamassa. Wednesday 26 June 9am Shuttle leaves from LUX* Le Morne to JPH Boathouse Tamassa hotel. 11am Downwind paddle start – finish at Embafilao at Le Morne (Participation subject to conditions and individual skills). 3 - 4pm Paddle Clinic at Tamassa. Thursday 27 June (first day of window period for the main race) 9am Shuttle leaves from LUX* Le Morne to JPH Boathouse Tamassa hotel.
11am Downwind paddle start – finish at Embafilao at Le Morne. 5 - 6pm Q and A session with PRO paddlers at Tamassa Conference room. Friday 28 June (second day of window period for the main race) 1.30pm FTL Race registration and final briefing at JPH Boathouse Tamassa hotel 2PM FTL Race Start time, format and course all subject to weather conditions 5.30PM INVESTEC Mauritius Ocean Classic Race event briefing at Tamassa Conf. Room. Saturday 29 June INVESTEC Mauritius Ocean Classic Wildsider (Race Start time subject to weather and tide conditions). THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 69
KEEP PADDLE FIT THIS WINTER keep fit during the cold winter months so that you can come out feeling strong! Let your workouts strengthen you to be paddle fit:. It’s important that we train according to our goals. How we do this, is by strengthening each key component area necessary for our sport.
Endurance Training Indoor cycling, swimming in a heated pool, running or sprint training on a treadmill, rowing machine, interval training on an Elliptical Trainer or stepping machines. All of these will work to keep you fit during the colder months.
Strength Training Focus your training on your major muscles groups. Squats, Deadlifts, Bridges, Bench Press and Shoulder press. Pulling exercises, like seated rows are great for strengthening your back 70 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
and arms. Perform exercises in a circuit style will also improve strength and endurance.
Core & Ab Exercise Having a strong core is imperative if you want to stay paddle fit.You could enhance rotational strength by doing torso twists. Other exercises you could include are: Crunches, Side Crunches, reverse crunches, Leg lifts,Toe touches, Bicycle crunches and planks. Try complete 10 reps of each exercise consecutively, 3 times a week.
Balance and proprioception To increase balance and proprioception try include single leg exercises (one leg squats, deadlifts or bridges) or exercises on a bosu or stability ball. Closing one’s eyes while performing an exercise can also increase ones sense of body awareness.
Shoulder Stability Exercises Our shoulders can be prone to injury. Use exercise bands to keep the smaller muscles of your shoulder strong and healthy. shelley smith
Top Tips stay on track this winter 1. Exercise Indoors
If it’s too cold to train outside, plan for indoor workouts. Whether you decide to train at a nearby gym or in the comfort of your own home, either way you will be keeping fit. Remember to do a good warm-up before you start as cold, stiff muscles are more prone to injury.
2. Schedule your workouts ahead of time
Approach your workouts like you would approach a business meeting. Bosses don’t cancel.
3. Be Accountable
Have a buddy to train with you. This will help to keep you accountable if you are tempted to skip your workouts.
4. Set Goals
This is imperative. If you aim for nothing, you will hit it every time. Set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timebased. Keep a journal to track your progress.
5. Have a plan
Even though you may have set goals It’s important to have a plan that will help ensure that you actually achieve those goals. Remember: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
6. Commit to a fitness challenge or sign up with a personal trainer It’s always fun to try
something new and it reignites our passion for training. Training with a small personal training group can also be a powerful motivator as it sparks our competitive natures. THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 71
OUT
&ABOUT
72 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
Orange River Descent April 2019 IMAGES Orange River Descent
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 73
OUT
&ABOUT
74 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
Freedom Paddle 27 April 2019
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 75
OUT
ABOUT
76 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
SA S1 Champs 28 April 2019
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 77
OUT
&ABOUT
78 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
BUCO Adventure Easter Surfski | April 2019 IMAGES Buco Adventure Easter Surfski
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 79
IMAGE Graham Daniel
Let’s Race Events , events & more events
80 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 81
EASTERN CAPE DATE JUNE SAT 1 - SUN 2 SUN 30 JULY SAT 13 SUN 14 SUN 21 SUN 21 SUN 28 AUGUST SUN 11 SUN 18 SUN 18 SUN 25 SAT 31 SEPTEMBER SUN 1 SUN 1 TUE 10 WED 11 SAT 14 SUN 15 SUN 22
RACE
DETAILS
CONTACT
ECCU Marathon Champs Harbour to Heads
Knysna
KNCC
Knysna Festival Canoe Polo
Knysna
don.wewege@gmail.com
info@eccu.co.za
Border Winter Series 1 Pam Golding Winter Challenge St Francis Canal, 10km or 20km Border Winter Series 2
secretary@bordercanoeclub.co.za
Breakfast Series - Paddling Shop 1 Breakfast Series - Paddling Shop 2 Border Winter Series 3 Breakfast Series - Paddling Shop 3 Kowie Intercity Challenge
Port Elizabeth
info@thepaddlingshop.co.za
Port Elizabeth
info@thepaddlingshop.co.za
Breakfast Series - Paddling Shop 4 Border Winter Series 4 Canoe Polo Africa Championships Pre-Fish
Port Elizabeth
Dirk Ellis Gamtoos Challenge
dirk.ellis.jnr@dirkellisvw.co.za
secretary@fishmarathon.org.za
secretary@bordercanoeclub.co.za
Port Elizabeth
info@thepaddlingshop.co.za secretary@bordercanoeclub.co.za
Knysna
ICF
FRCC
SAT 21 MON 23 FRI 27 - SAT 28 OCTOBER SUN 13 FRI 18 FRI 25 NOVEMBER SAT 2 - SUN 3
Canoe Polo Africa Champs Hansa Fish Marathon
SA K2, Craddock, 84km
FRI 8 FRI 15 FRI 22
Border Summer Series Border Summer Series Border Summer Series
John Woods Challenge Border Summer Series Border Summer Series
82 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
info@thepaddlingshop.co.za secretary@bordercanoeclub.co.za
Gamtoos, Jeffrey’s Bay, 10 & 20km Knysna Waterfront
Pete Marlin Ski Race
secretary@bordercanoeclub.co.za
ndf@adept.co.za
secretary@bordercanoeclub.co.za secretary@bordercanoeclub.co.za secretary@bordercanoeclub.co.za
ECCU S1 and S2 champs, East London
secretary@bordercanoeclub.co.za secretary@bordercanoeclub.co.za secretary@bordercanoeclub.co.za secretary@bordercanoeclub.co.za
GAUTENG DATE JUNE SAT 1 - SUN 2 SUN 2 SUN 9
RACE GCU Marathon Champs Paddling Race Sprints 3
Parys, 2 or 5km, 9.30am Roodeplaat
CONTACT info@gcu.co.za office@vagabondkayaks.com
K1 and K2
info@gcu.co.za
Sprints 4 Paddling Race Centurion 9 Miler Schools League Race
Roodeplaat Parys, 2 or 5km, 9.30am Roodeplaat
info@gcu.co.za office@vagabondkayaks.com
Paddling Race SAMC Watuni Klip
Parys, 2 or 5km, 9.30am
office@vagabondkayaks.com
SAT 15 - SA MON 17 Marathon SAT 22 SUN 23 JULY SUN 7 SUN 7 SAT 27 SUN 28 AUGUST SUN 4 SAT 17
DETAILS
Champs JCC Vaal Marathon
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 83
DATE
RACE
DETAILS
CONTACT info@gcu.co.za
SUN 18 SUN 25 SEPTEMBER SUN 8 FRI 13 SUN 15 OCTOBER SUN 6 SAT 19 SUN 20 SAT 27 NOVEMBER SAT 2 SUN 3 SAT 9 - SUN 10
Sprints 5 FLCC Klip
Roodeplaat Ixoxo Manzi to Caravan Park
Paddling Race ERK Nite race Schools League
Parys, 2 or 5km, 9.30am
office@vagabondkayaks.com
ERK
info@gcu.co.za
Paddling Race Likkewaan 2 Day Race
Parys, 2 or 5km, 9.30am Parys
office@vagabondkayaks.com
DABS 4 Hour Enduro
Dabulamanzi Canoe Club
Rietvlei Ramble Paddling Race Lowveld Croc
Parys, 2 or 5km, 9.30am
SAT 16 SUN 17
FNB Eurosteel Wemmer Pan Sports4Life
SUN 24
VLC Maulti Liebenbergsvlei
office@vagabondkayaks.com
peter@sports4life.co.za
K W A - Z U L U N ATA L DATE JUNE SUN 9 SUN 16 SAT 22 or SUN 23 SUN 30 JULY SAT 6 SUN 14 SAT 20 SUN 21 SUN 28 AUGUST THU 22 SAT 24
RACE
DETAILS
CONTACT
Pirates-Umhlanga-Pirates Surfski Race 5 Beaches Surfski Race Balito Downwind Surfski Race Point Water Sports Surfski Race 1 Scottburgh to Brighton Surfski Pount Water Sport Surfski Race 2 Share-List Property Season Opener Point Water Sport Surfski Race 3 Point Water Sport Surfski Race 4 Lance Park Memorial Shaka Challenge
SUN 25
Alex Caruth - Ernie Alder Challenge TUE 27 Duncan Scotney Nite Race SAT 31 or SUN Da’Real Downwind Series 1 Race 1 84 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
Jaqui Boyd 082 671 5302
DUC, 9am, 6km or 12km
Jaqui Boyd 082 671 5302
Upper Umngeni, 16km
admin@umz.co.za
DUC, 9am, 6km or 12km
Jaqui Boyd 082 671 5302
DUC, 9am, 6km or 12km
Jaqui Boyd 082 671 5302
NCC Camps Drift, 16km ZKC Clubhouse, Meerensee, Richards Bay, 21km Upper Umngeni, 16km PYC, 16km Pirates - Umdloti, 22km
DATE SEPTEMBER FRI 6 - SUN 8 SAT 7 SAT 7
RACE
DETAILS
SA Sprint Championships NCC Boat Auction
SUN 8
Capitol Caterers Interschools Lions River Supa Quick Jock Claasens
THU 12
Eric’s Canoe Shop Race
SUN 15 SAT 14 or SUN 15 SAT 21 or SUN 22 SUN 22 OCTOBER FRI 11 SAT 12 SAT 12 or SUN 13 SAT 12 SUN 13 SUN 13 FRI 18 SAT 19
CONTACT
Shongweni Dam Camps Drift, Pietermaritzberg, 9am Steam Punk to Midmar. 10km kncuad@sai.co.za fezela.co.za
Supa Quick Fezela Classic Da’Real Downwind Series 2
Incl Junior/beginner event, Upper Umgeni, 18km Kingfisher Canoe Club, Blue Lagoon, 16km Camps Drift to Moto-X Wier Pirates - Umdloti, 22km
Da’Real Downwind Series 3
Pirates - Umdloti, 22km
FS/PIRATES
Nobby Nel Memorial
Upper Umgeni, 21km
UMV
Camps Drift, 10 laps
info@wallandback.co.za kncuad@sai.co.za
Wall and Back Ski Series 1 Capitol Catereers Interschools Enduro Da’Real Downwind Series 4
Pirates -WEstbrook or Toti 30km
secretary@kingfishercc.co.za fezela.co.za FS/PIRATES
FS/PIRATES
SA Canoe Polo Trials Table Mountain Descent
Table Mountain to Nagle Dam, 20km
SAT 19
Wall and Back Ski Series 2 Mouth to Mouth Downwind Ski Race Dam to Dam 2 Man Relay K2
SUN 20
Dam to Dam 2 Man Relay K1
WED 23 SUN 27 FRI 25
Da’Real Richards Bay -Pirates Downwind Ski Challenge Wall and Back Ski Series 3
info@wallandback.co.za ZululandKC@gmail.com
Richards Bay to Mtunzini, 35km Albert Falls to Cumberland, BOR 25km Cumberland to Nagle Dam, 30km Mtunzini - Pirates-Scottburgh, FS/PIR 180km info@wallandback.co.za
2 June 2019
paddlefortheplanet.org THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 85
DATE
RACE
DETAILS
CONTACT
Capitol Catereers Interschools 1 Dusi Dash Umpetha Challenge
Camps Drift to Low Level kncuad@sai.co.za Bridge, 10km Including guppy/beginner race, info@dusi.co.za Camps Drift to Bishopstowe Hall, 18km Bon Accord Park, Alvert Falls DAm, 25km
fezela.co.za
Wagendrift Dam to Lambert Parl, 10km Dusi Bridge to Mfula Store Ibis Point to Mbeje’s Store, 22km
kncuad@sai.co.za
SAT 9 SUN 10
Supa Quick Fezela Challnge Guppy Race Wall and Back Ski Series 4 Capitol Catereers Interschools K1 Bushmans Popes Walk Alan Gardiner Memorial
FRI 15 FRI 22
Wall and Back Ski Series 5 Wall and Back Ski Series 6
SAT 26 SUN 27
NOVEMBER SUN 3 FRI 8 SAT 9
STE STE
WESTERN CAPE DATE JUNE SAT 1 SAT 8 SAT 15 SAT 22 SAT 29 JULY WED 3 SAT 6 TUE 16 SAT 20 SAT 27 SUN 28 AUGUST SAT 3 FRI 9 - SUN 11 SAT 17 SAT 24 SUN 25 SAT 31 SEPTEMBER SAT 7 - SUN 8 SAT 14 SAT 21 TUE 24 OCTOBER SAT 12
RACE
DETAILS
CONTACT
Gouda to Bridgetown Herman to Goude K1 Wellington to Herman Pink Lady Drakenstein Marathon Misverstand to Klein Paradys
Berg River Berg River WCCU K1 Champs, Berg River, 75km Berg River
Berg River Marathon
Berg River, 240km
berg.org.za
K2 10km Wyzersdrift K2 Olifants Marathon K1
Peninsula Canoe Club
vcomms@peninsula-canoe.org.za
Nekkies to Elandia K2 Push and Pull Paddle Elandia to Robertson K2 Drew to Swellendam K2 Bontebok K2 Robertson to Bonnivale K2
wpcanoe@gmail.com wpcanoe@gmail.com wpcanoe@gmail.com wpcanoe@gmail.com wpcanoe@gmail.com
Olifants River
Berg River Breede River Breede River Breede River Breede River
wpcanoe@gmail.com alan@pushandpullpaddle.co.za wpcanoe@gmail.com wpcanoe@gmail.com wpcanoe@gmail.com wpcanoe@gmail.com
Breede River Canoe Marathon Breede River
breede.canoe.marathon@gmail. com
Goude to Bridgetown K2 Lamont Mini Marathon Eerste River Heritage Day K1
Berg River
wpcanoe@gmail.com
Eerste River
wpcanoe@gmail.com
Surf Ski 1: Three Beaches
86 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
admin@fhbsc.co.za
9 1 ‘ r e b 13 Octo 9am @ Peninsula Canoe club
Short Course 2km Paddle 2km Run
family event! Enter as either a relay team or an individual!
All you need is a pair of running shoes, any paddling craft that Long Course can go the distance, paddle and 6km Paddle of course lifejacket! 5km Run
Find out more: Zandvlei Duathlon THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 87
DATE
RACE
SUN 13
Zandvlei Duathlon
SUN 20 SAT 26 NOVEMBER SAT 2 SUN 3 SAT 9
Surf Ski 2 : CPC Qualifier Surf Ski 3: Langebaan
SUN 10 SAT 16 SUN 17
Surf Ski 5: Oceana Junior Triple Series 3 Surf Ski 6: Milnerton to Melkbos Surf Ski 7: 2 Harbours Surf Ski 8: Daniel Conradie
SUN 24 SAT 30
Junior Triple Series 1 Surf Ski 4 Junior Triple Series 2
IMAGE Photos By Carolyn J Cooper 88 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
DETAILS Peninsula Canoe Club, Zandvlei
CONTACT The Paddle Mag capepointc@gmail.com
Tygerberg Peninsula Canoe Club, Zandvlei Oceana Power Boat Club Paarl
secretary@peninsula-canoe. org.za
admin@fhbsc.co.za
I N T E R N AT I O N A L DATE
RACE
DETAILS
JUL 25 - 28
ICF Junior & U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships
Romania
JUN 29 - 30
Mauritius Surfski Race
Mauritius
AUG 1 - 4 AUG 3 AUG 21 - 25 SEP 9 - 15 SEP 15 OCT 15-16 OCT 17-20 NOV 23 - 24
Junior & u23 Sprint Championships Sella Descent ICF Canoe Sprint World & Paracanoe Championships ICF Ocean Racing World Championships 50th Liffey Descent ICF Canoe Marathon Masters Championships ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships Perth Doctor World Cup
Pitesti, Romania Spain Szeged, Hungary St Pierre de Queberon Dublin, Ireland Shaoxing, China Shaoxing, China Perth, Australia
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 89
View from the back of the boat While most of the competitive paddlers are preparing to make the jump in to hyperspace from wide comfortable river canoes or surfski’s to very skinny marathon boats. (They cannot possibly be comfortable – have you seen how fast everyone jumps out of them?). Down here in the Deep South we have taken a slightly different tack and gone off to explore the world of touring kayaks. First up, we booked a tour with Kayak Adventures based in Hout Bay. The clients paddle the double Mazowe and the guide paddles the Kasai from Vagabond Kayaks. It was a wonderful morning. We had a quick safety briefing and a lesson on how to paddle and turn a rudderless kayak before we set out. Without giving the whole tour away, I think it is safe to say that they have worked out a super route with enough beautiful scenery and local history to make the tour a wonderful experience. Our highlight was watching Heaviside and common dolphins playing right next to the kayaks. The kayaks themselves are fun to paddle and very stable to the extent that we paddled near a number of big passenger boats taking people to Duiker Island to see the seals without any wobbles. Next we joined Kayak Cape Town on a wonderful tour in the False Bay. Leaving from Simons Town we had a stunning tour of the harbour and then down the coast to see the penguins. It was a perfect morning so we headed out to Ark Rock which was covered in seal pups before turning in to Boulders and the penguin colony. We were again treated to dolphins playing around our kayaks which is just magical. The some of the Spanish paddlers were so intrigued that they jumped off their kayak and swam with the dolphins 90 THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA
for about 20 minutes. We also saw lots of penguin rafts heading out on their fishing expeditions which are always delightful to watch. This time we paddled in the PaddleYak Tango Double which is the tried and tested kayak used by a number of established tour operators. I told my wife about the fun we were having on the kayaks and she said that she was keen to try it but there were a few rules: it had to be super stable, there must be space for our son if he wanted to jump on and lastly there must be space for a picnic or at least a flask of coffee. Quite a tall order, but achievable, so when we suddenly got a gap weekend we hired a Vagabond Mazowe from Aquatrails and headed up to Velddrif. We had a stunning weekend exploring both Langebaan Lagoon and the mouth of the Berg River. We have had a blast taking photos of the dolphins, seals and penguins. We have learnt new things about areas that we paddle on almost a weekly basis. But most of all the people around us have loved getting out on the water and having a new experience. So if you have family or friends that would like to try paddling but don’t want to buy a kayak without trying it suggest that they contact their local tour operator and give it a try. We did sea tours, but there are loads of wonderful river tour operators that tackle various grades of rivers depending on how wet you want to get. The guides are wonderfully knowledgeable and the equipment that they use is tried and tested so you cannot go wrong.
THEPADDLEMAG.CO.ZA 91
IMAGE Jean Trefon