Age is nothing but a number for these canoeists
WELTEVREDEN PARK – Rob Jones and Greg Anders prove that it is never too late to lead a healthy lifestyle.
WELTEVREDEN PARK – Rob Jones (69) and Greg Anders (57) enjoyed their first 10km canoe race together, which they finished in an hour, proving that it’s never too late to learn a new sport or get involved in a new hobby.
While Jones has had several years in the sport, he roped his friend in to join him after Anders had hip replacement surgery; now, both continue to participate in parkruns on the weekend.
“After my hip operation, I slowly returned to walking the parkrun distance – but with the paddling, I found my balance. I bought myself a wetsuit and a pair of boots and it’s really improved my movement,” Anders added.
Jones said that canoeing was not as easy as it looks and that usually it would take several tries before a new paddler gets the balance required to paddle without falling into the water.
As Jones lives in Weltevreden Park and Anders in Radiokop, both are members of the Florida Lake Canoe Club. The pair meet three times a week early in the morning at around 5am.
Jones encouraged everyone to become active in sports, especially the older generation, as it would help them to make friends while getting fit and healthy.
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“It is better to go out and hit a parkrun where there are people, as sport is a social activity. Get away from technology for a bit and get out of the house, it’s really good for the soul,” he said.
Anders, who is also an amateur golf player, said that he had played rugby in his younger days and it helped him to have a good mindset. “Paddling helps improve the core muscles, muscle tone and helps to maintain weight,” Jones added.
Jones, a former Comrades Marathon runner, encouraged all to pick up a canoe and start paddling as it is not expensive and is relatively easy to do.
He had a special word for the elderly who were suffering from the concomitant ailments, that it is never too late to start living a healthier sportier life.
“Just get out there and start at a slow pace. Do not worry if others are faster or better than you, just do what you can do,” Jones added.
Details: Florida Lake Canoe Club 082 857 8571.
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