The Tugela 20’s which doubled up as the KZN School Champs were once again held near Winterton over the weekend, but this year they had to be halved. Unfortunately foot and mouth disease on local farms meant that access to the river was limited which resulted in a compressed course of just 10km’s being paddled on both days; so it was short, but still sweet. This gentle stretch below the Spioenkop Dam is great place to learn basic river skills, and this course change included paddling upstream through low and rocky rapids which was quite testing and had many swimming (in almost sub-zero temperatures) as did some of the other rapids further down, so as in previous years, lessons were learnt, and a lot of confidence was gained. On the Sunday there was an even shorter 6km race for guppies; seeing the pride in the eyes of the little girl who finished last was priceless.
From Dabs we only had two boys in the schools event, and both shone. Well done to Cayden Wilson who won the U14 Boys and to Daniel Van Eeden who won the U16 Boys, with times far better than many of the senior paddlers. Asher Wilson paddled with Benjamin Mntonintshi to win the senior race, Ethan was second overall and also won the K1 section, just ahead of Leon, while Sarah won the ladies K1.
Shout out’s for Cathleen Van Eeden on finishing her first K1 river race; for Mrs. Tarryn Dietrich who flew in from Cape Town to paddle with Michelle Reitsma, although they did let some other ladies (Hilary Bruss & Kate Frost) beat them and for the old hands Matt, Gunther and Clive for shepherding. And well done to Dabs – we were the Club with the best representation!
Puppy and Pamina once again led the sing songs around the Emseni camp bonfire and a good time was had by all, although Puppy was sad that there were no proper drinkers there to share his love for beer – how sad. Hopefully we will have an even better turnout next year, and no foot and mouth. The good news for those that like rivers is that this scourge won’t affect either Liebensberg or Fish, so add those to your diary, and then there’s marathons in 10 days’ time up in the lowveld at Longmere Dam.
This weekend will see the elite race at the World Games and at the Sella. Here’s hoping SA shines.
Till next time – Go Dabs!
