The last Saturday of February saw over 50 newbies attending the first of our Dabulamanzi Open Day’s. The program started with talks and advice from two of South Africa’s finest paddlers (Christie and Clint) along with lessons from some real teachers (Karen) and a lot of other good people who assisted the newbies in doing what they really wanted to do, get out in the water. It was a very mixed bag; from little ones to the elderly, but all enjoyed the morning. The aim was to attract new members, and this was achieved so we will be doing more of them. After the paddling, our clubhouse and bar facilities (along with the prospect of doing the 10-in-1) excited a few guys so much they signed up there and then. Well-done to Elandrie for driving this and thank-you to all who helped out.
On the leap day of 2024, the K2 TT record was broken with a time of 40.40 by Clint and young Luke. Well-done guys, we also look forward to bigger results from you please. The last record was set a year ago by Wayne and (and a then young) Brad B. Given that Dusi was won in both the men’s and ladies divisions by older hands with youthful partners it seems the way to go is a blend of experience with young talent.
After the Time Trial Scatters booming voice was called upon to auction off the fine work of another young talent from Dabs – Alexis Rich. Alexis drew the most amazing picture of our dam, then had it beautifully framed and very kindly donated it to the club to be auctioned for our coffers. Several people put their hands up but when the numbers got towards 5 figures it became a 4-way fight, with Brad F competing against Steve J and two mysterious online bidders. In the end it was one of these online mysteries who won. It really is a brilliant piece of art, well done to Alexis for making the donation and to Kate Stubbs for buying it – Enjoy!
The first Saturday of March then saw some old hands head down to KZN for the Umko One Hop, a trip that is run in memory of Mark Perrow. The plan was to paddle 75km from St Josephine’s to Mpompomani, but the river was running low at 1.1m, so this was then shortened to about 60km, to end at Old Buck Bridge. 31 paddlers made up the field with 15 K2’s and just 1 K1, almost half the guys were from Dabs, and there was only one girl, young Olivia Woodburn. Before the event Copper was abused for being soft after saying he would only be going as far as Riverside, a compulsory stop and refuel spot, some 37km down from Josephines. In the end, most got out at Riverside and only 5 crews went all the way; respect to Belkie and MB, Rob with Umko novice Dan and Puc with Umko novice Ethan. Although the river wasn’t full and although most didn’t go all the way (to look after their boats and to escape the 37degree heat) all said it was far more fun than expected and that it was an awesome experience just be back on the river, out in a valley where few have ever been. The elements and time have now erased the black scars of Hops crash site, but the memories remain strong. RIP Hop.
On Sunday there was a race on the stretch above from Mbanjwas’ Kraal. Race organizer Scott Rogers kindly allowed the Dabs guys to start earlier and even changed the race to finish at Nyala Pans instead of further down at St Josephines, because they were staying there so they could get home earlier. Puc must have read the memo about partnering with young talent, he was with young Ethan and they took the Dabs line honours. The race however was won by Jacques and Jen Theron in a time of 2hr7, who then paddled on to Josephines, just for fun. Of the 23 boats that did the race, 11 were singles, because of the low water conditions, but all who started went home happy. Guys like Belkie will tell you that even when low it’s still a fantastic river and an amazing experience just to be out in that valley. The Umko is actually a rare gem. Beyond the unpolluted water with lots of fun stretches, there’s the raw scenic beauty and another big plus – no croc or hippo’s. Twenty years ago rivers like the Bushman’s, the Tugela and the Mooi were all raced and tripped – but not now because they have big crocodile problems, so the Umko remains a great option, with lots of different sections on offer to build ones skills and confidence. Thanks to the organizers, to Scott, to Hairy and Kevin for always keeping times, and to Mike and Kim Woodburn for all the work they do throughout the year in the valley.
On a sad note, Andrew Goetzsche left us last week. Andrew was an early Dabs member back in the 80’s and 90’s. He stopped paddling but never really left the circle as he worked at Canoe Concepts for a while and seconded for some of our muppets for many years. Rest in Peace Goetschie.
Next up it’s the Umko in mid-March; the guys are hoping for rain but have also showed us they can paddle it at 1m. Remember how bleak we were when Covid came and we couldn’t do anything, so don’t miss out while you can. The weekend after there’s the national sprints which will determine who goes to the Olympics, and then it’s the Marathon Season. On April 13th there’s the promise of big waves, gin storms, and epic prizes at the High Altitude Surf Ski Challenge. If you survive that you may want to consider the Turtle Tour which is confirmed for 6-9 June in the South of Mozambique. They are planning to cater for beginners, providing skis and/or rides in back of doubles – chat to Raoul if you are interested.