While we can’t say this was the best ever Liebenberg’s; almost all who went had the best time ever, thanks in part to the fantastic water and weather conditions.
Unlike previous years we didn’t have a title sponsor so there was no nice goody bag with a shirt or paddling shorts, we didn’t have the same kind of entry numbers, there weren’t too many elite paddlers, many of our Dab’s stalwarts didn’t paddle either, plus the Dabblers weren’t there to do their thing; but the race was a real treat for those who enjoy being out on a clean, flowing and fun river – with day 1 serving up the best water level and wind conditions ever.
At 35cumes most boats went unscratched and incredibly the paddlers had the wind on their backs for the first day. Wayne & Siseko dropped the chasing pack after 10km to romp home in 1 hour fifty – not bad for the 31km stretch, where they were fortunate not to take a swim. Luke & Jack were second on day 1 with the Mtolo brothers from KZN 1 second behind. On day 2 (a rerun of the same stretch) the water levels dropped to a more normal 25cumes, but the wind, although far lighter, became a headwind so the winners time on day 2 was 10 minutes slower, although they did take a swim at some innocuous spot. The Motolo’s took the end sprint on day 2 to end up second over all while our U23’s of Luke & Jack had to settle for third, with the KZN paddlers Abby Solms & Ashley Craig winning the ladies race ahead of Amy Hulett & (a somewhat older) Marion Young. Siyabonga Ndlovu & Sbonele Dube from KZN were the first U18’s, Nhlamulo Mahwayi & Sibusiso Tyiki were first U16’s, Martin & Jeannie Dreyer were first Sub Masters, Lloyde & Boet were first Great Grand Masters while John & Kevlar were the first Grand Masters. The First K3 was Moolies, Flem Pup & Tim White, while the first K1 (and only 1 to do 2 days) was Russell Willis, whose day 2 was over 40 minutes slower than his day 1, which he will need to explain to the morning school people.
Special mention must go to 3 very young river novices, all who did really well; Asher Wilson (10), Kaylen Armdorf (11) and Cayden Wilson (13) with shoutouts to Wongama Makasi and Ryno Armdorf, and Benjamin Mntonintshi for taking them on this two day race. Seeing the pride in little Ashers eyes at the end of day 2 was priceless. Respect also to the Craigs, the U18 brother & sister pairing, who had two very long days but got to the end, stone last on both days. With this in mind thank you to Coach Nkosi and the marshals: Lesedi, Kwanda and Siyamthandile from our sister club SCARC – you are such an important part of Gauteng paddling. As always thanks to the workers: Karen and Courtney for all the organizing, Rene for the timekeeping, with assistance from Chucky, Caren and Pierre. And also Nomthy and Megan. Thanks guys and girls, without you our races wouldn’t happen. Thanks also to Bruce Dixon and Vertus Consulting who made the cash prizes far larger than they otherwise would have been. Finally thanks to all the paddlers who supported our race. It was great to have River Legends like Martin & Jeannie Dreyer along with Serious Seadogs like Bevan Manson & Matthew Tebbutt doing their first Liebenberg’s, and very gratifying to hear that they loved it.
The other thing as lovely as the Liebensberg was the Springboks absolutely hammering the All Blacks. A rerun of the game was eventually played in the packed Skip Skop pub with the prop Flem Pup verbally abusing the New Zealanders for their inability to scrum – or grow sideburns. The Skip Skop then ran out of Gin and Rum, which may be more reason why the day 2 times were somewhat slower, why Moolies wasn’t driving so straight and why almost all who went, went home so happy.
Note to self: Don’t miss next year’s Liebensberg.
Next Up: Dabs Dash 100m! Have you entered? Get involved for another exciting Dabs event. There’s talks of boerie rolls and the bar will be open. Saturday 20 September. Racing starts 09h00. Entries close Thursday. Enter HERE.
Till next time – Go Dabs!