Absent last year (although he did have a doctor’s note) the Puppy couldn’t defend his title, but when he lined up for the 2024 Dabulamanzi 10-in-1, there were few who would have bet against him. He didn’t set a new record, (7mins 43 was slow by his standards and some blamed his manager for not pouring properly) but he took the Gold medal with ease, over 10 mins ahead of Grant Thornton, with Kevin Hunt coming third. Some of our younger participants had DNF’s, with the last man home being a non-drinker. Alex Roberts, after his last TT at Dabs, joined the line up and finished in a slow and steady 58mins17, thanks in part to his experienced mate MJ, who paced him properly. Alex was still drunk on Saturday but was proud to have played. Cheers Alex! Fun and games that aren’t for all, and apparently not for ladies either, as none lined up this year. Congratulations to all eight who finished. Good luck to the Puppy and his wife when their (naughty) boys try to follow in the footsteps of their legendary dad.
Talking ladies, some will be sad it’s now December, as their men might be shaving again. Congratulations to MJ Robb who took the title of Dabulamanzi’s Movember Man, making his lady very proud. Well done to all who supported this worthy cause.
In paddling news, the Dabs Dash was back by popular demand. Aara Judy won the Guppy Girls while Buntu Khuza won the Guppy Boys. Kayla won the Junior ladies while Esti Olivier won the Senior Ladies. Daniel van Eeden won the Junior Boys while Henry van de Walt won the Senior Men. Well done to all who competed, but the race of the day went to Coach Adro’s daughter Sofie, who raced her first race with the support of Kayla on the water and all on the bank. Awesome stuff Sofie, we hope you grow to love paddling as much as we do!
Well done and thank you to Alexa for the organizing, along with Helen and John Jansen van Vuuren, Phillipa Godden, Kaitlyn Agar, Matthew and Lexi Ayub, Alexis Rich and as always Elandrie and Caren for all their hard work.
In river paddling, lots of ladies (16) participated in the Umko No 8 to Josephine’s on Sunday. The expected rain missed the catchment area, but loads of fun was had, with Owen Gandar winning. Third home and first Mixed Double were Luke and Amy, while Jess Lee was with Oliva Woodburn (paddling in what is literally Olivia’s back garden); they were fourth overall, and first Ladies. The third Mixed Double was Sarah, paddling with Amy’s dad, while the first Grand Master boat home was the Dabs Mixed Double crew of Cally Henderson and Rob Collier. Well done all. It’s Nyala Pan’s to St Elmo’s this weekend, and if you are interested, the Kingfisher guys and Scott Rogers will find an experienced Umko paddler for you to partner. A fantastic opportunity – ask the likes of Jess and Sarah.
In other news, about 60 Grade 6 boys from The Ridge spent a morning at the dam. Coach Adro had some in canoe polo boats while and Chucky had others on SUPs, and they all got to see and enjoy our magnificent club and playground. Hopefully we will see more juniors joining. Chad hopes their parents will be buying them nice new toys from Canoe Concepts for Christmas. And if you are not sure what to get yourself for Christmas…
In sea paddling, the Shaw & Partners Surfski week culminated in the Doctor Downwind down-under; which was won by the Aussie Hill with Hank coming third, in what was called one of the slowest ever Doctors. Slower still is Moolies Moolman who departed on Sunday 1 December. You can follow his progress here: https://gerhardmoolman.com/ Go Moolies go, you mal thing!
The last Time Trial of the year will be Thursday 12th. Please bring your family for a special race starting at 17:15. Guppies, juniors and parents with children are welcome in K1’s, K2’s and K3’s. There will be a special Secret Santa afterwards for all the kids. And a cold Hansa for the Puppy.
Till next time – Go Dabs!