West Randers take kayak competition by storm
WEST RAND — Canoeists from Roodepoort are a force to be reckoned with at the Kayak Sprint interprovincial competition.
The South African Schools Kayak Sprint competition took place at Roodeplaat Dam, Pretoria, on 30 April. The 100m, 200m and 500m races in both K1 (single kayak) and K2 disciplines continued throughout the weekend on 1 and 2 May.
Junior paddlers from throughout South Africa gathered to test their sprint skills against each other on a beautiful sunny day, although the wind churned up some choppy waves making it difficult for the starting line-up as boats were pushed sideways and out of their lanes while waiting for the starter hooter.
Jennie Dallas of the Gauteng Canoe Union said that the points awarded to the paddlers were accumulated throughout the three-day event.
“The total points achieved are credited to the school that the paddler represents, as well as the club and individual achievement, with medals and victor/victrix ladorum podium positions,” added Dallas.
Matthew van der Merwe (Under 12) from Charter House School, Radiokop, managed to clinch the fourth place position in the first race of the event, however, his strength was evident in the shorter distance sprint.
Kamillah Hank (Under 12) from Curro Aurora School, Sundowner, boasted a second place position in the less competitive female age group while her sister Ameerah also won a medal (bronze) in the Under 10 girls race.
In the older, more competitive age group, Nicole Smith from Trinityhouse Little Falls won third place in the Under 18 girls race, as well as a second position in the K2 category (double canoes).
