New year, new beginnings, new events, old events, new news, read all about it here….
2026 Started with a new event – the Dabulamanzi 5km Run, a time trial around the park starting at the same time as our paddling time trial on a Thursday evening. Well done to Rob Crichton for getting this going. Now our Dusi contenders start their Thursday evenings with a run and then paddle another 5 or 10 kilometers, while the runners are more sensible; they do the run and go to the clubhouse for a cooldrink….
Then we had the Dam Busters dice, where we had almost 100 paddlers enjoying a beautiful day out. Out of respect and love for our dear friend Tony Purchase who passed after a brave battle with cancer, the race was delayed and preceded by a lap of honour in his memory. RIP Purchy.
In the main event, Mike Authur & Wayne Jacobs raced away from MJ Robb & Rob Crichton, who were followed home by Brad & Emma Boulle. Well done to David Tew, the only junior to tackle the full event in a K1. Young Daniel van Eeden won the pink race (running without a boat), Kyle Armdorf & Alexa Godden won the Yellow race (8kms) and Rhys Jones won the green race (4km).
Well done to Colin Mussett and his Morning School team for hosting this fantastic event. Thank you to Lynca Meats (Brent and his braai master’s Brad, Russel & Co) for always keeping our tummies filled with such yummy food. Thanks also to time keepers Karen, Caren and Kevlar and run marshals Lloyde, Cally and Barry. Thank you also to our Lifesavers – yes we are now a lifesaving, running and paddling club – with lots of people who also enjoy a braai and a cooldrink…
The Elands isn’t one of our events, but Dab’s paddlers typically make up over half the field here, so it kind-of is. Sadly, there were only 20 boats there this year. Sadly because the conditions were so glorious. Running full and fast at about 30cumecs, the Elands didn’t present its usual technical self, instead the water ran well over the rocks making the day both faster and easier than normal. To gain confidence on rivers one needs to paddle rivers, and with a fun little rapid around every corner, these were great conditions for novices and old hands alike.
Racing upfront, Piers pipped Benji Cockram & Troy Clark at the post, finishing the 24km in just under 90 minutes. Local Lowvelder Mark Smith was second while Nick Warren claimed third in the K1’s. Second place in the K2s went to Rob Levick & Reegan Turnbull while Kevin Hunt & Darryn Koertzen were third. Yep, doubles got down the tight course quite easily, making it an awesome day out and well worth the drive out there and back. Many wished they had planned to stay overnight to do the course once again. Those that didn’t do it, missed out; all who went had a wonderful day. Thank you to Erichia Pretorius and the Lowveld Canoe Club Team for putting this event together; your efforts, time and admin are much appreciated by all who went, and as always it’s a special Laetitia Venter memorial. Thanks all.
Next up – it’s the Vaal. Chad will be sad if you don’t support his efforts. He’s got Alan Witherden working on the water bailiff, so hopefully there will be an additional release. Will we see you there?
Till next time – Go Dabs!