It was another busy week both at the club and away with lots of fun and games, and some racing, that started with a Halloween Evening Time Trial, which attracted witches and other scary things. Lots of fun was had – by both kids and adults. Well done to all who made an effort and help keep the gees of our club so strong.
In the away games, the Navy went on tour to Slummies for the Pete Marlin. 30 seamen and 6 wrens made it one of our best showings, but the wind didn’t show up. Saturday was Singles Day from Glen Eeden to Nahoon, and even the elite battled to find runs. Nic Notten won. An Aussie came second followed by Josh Fenn, Uli Hart, Hank McGregor, Matt Fenn, Jasper Mocke, Dawid Mocke, Kenny Rice and Mark Keeling. Even though conditions were calm, none of our guys even made the top 50 – if you want to race on the ocean you need to live at the ocean. The easiest way to find Navy names was to go to the last page and start reading from the bottom. Well done to Veltie, our only lady to paddle the singles day, who beat a half a dozen of our guys. First home from The TVL Navy was Benji, then Rash, then Tex. Raoul, Claudia and Jen won the K3 title. After landing on the beach some of the Navy (led by brothers who don’t live in Jhb) went into the clubhouse for soapy cokes, stayed for prize giving, then pushed through to watch the rugby and were eventually made to leave, eleven hours later. One guys panel-van had boats on the roof, with people air-paddling them home.
The Doubles day was a short 16km’s from Nahoon to Yellow Sands, but with a bit of wind and some fun runs to be found. Local ladies Jade Wilson and Nix Birkett won, after having come first and second in the singles. Hank and Josh easily won yet another title, ahead of Uli and Matt. First from the Navy were Moolies and Chris Van Reenen, followed by Cotch and Alan Neate, then Boet and Lloyde. Rory and Rae made the podium for Father Daughter combos while Karen and Tarryn were our only Female crew – but well done to all finishers. The drama of the day was with the last double home, they swam coming in at Yellows and let go of their boat, which was quickly sucked away by a strong side rip. Two life guards went out after it, but like the boat, they looked like they were going to end up on the rocks. An onlooker saw the lifeguards were battling, so he swam out and saved the boat, much to the relief of its crew, and the embarrassment of the lifeguards. Well done Timothy Evans. The traditional campsite Gin Storm didn’t get going, but back at the clubhouse those who weren’t travelling started round two. Thanks to Chucky, Geachy, Jenny and Texy for towing the trailer and well done to all who represented the Navy. Dabs was again recognized for our loyal support and our great donations to their bar profits.
In Junior news, congratulations to our top Guppy paddler, Rio who went to China and made the finals for the 200m, 500m and 1000m races. Well done! We hope to see Rio representing both our club and our nation for many more years.
Staying with schoolboy news, many know Dan as the teacher man from St Davids, who have long been involved in schools paddling, but did you know that his better half Katy teaches at St Stithians College, a school not really involved in our sport. So it was great when Katy and Dan helped host 26 Saints boys, parents and teachers at the club on the weekend, and all had a good time out on the water. Gunther was as usual a big help, Atilla engaged with the boys and parents, while Dan took some of the lads and dads out in a k2. We hope some paddling seeds have been planted – well done to all involved.
Coming soon, the ADG Vaal Marathon – go if you can. Congrats to the worth winner Gunther who entered early and won a weekend away for 4 at the Umula Lodge – enjoy!
Till next time – Go Dabs!