Florida Lake Canoe Club juniors achieve best results
Having trained in the Gauteng Canoe Union School League races throughout the year, Florida Lake Canoe Club paddlers enjoyed the wonderful Gauteng winter sunshine and the interprovincial challenge, with the juniors achieving the best results.
The South African Canoe Marathon Championships that was held at Cradle Moon in Muldersdrift on 15,16 and 17 June was an enjoyable event attracting some of South Africa’s top canoe racers, including the current and past world champions.
The toughest part and a crucial element in marathon canoe racing is the portage – the ability to get out of your boat smoothly and efficiently, run a short distance carrying it, and then put it back into the water without dropping it. Slipping or tripping can result in losing time.
Having trained in the Gauteng Canoe Union School League races throughout the year, Florida Lake Canoe Club paddlers enjoyed the wonderful Gauteng winter sunshine and the interprovincial challenge, with the juniors achieving the best results.
Atle Maphanga from Laerskool Die Ruiter Primary remained the girls junior champion by winning the U/8 event once again.
The stronger competition in the U/10 girls age group resulted in Chane Steyn of Florida Primary School not being able to achieve a podium position, however, it is her first year of racing so there is much expectation for next year.
Brothers Keegan and Matthew Marais from Curro Krugersdorp were also very new to racing, having only started canoeing this year. They could not resist the exciting challenge of an interprovincial event and participated.
Ameerah Hank from Curro Aurora who lives in Discovery missed a podium finish in fifth place overall, against strong competition in the U/14 girls.
Her sister, Kamilah, managed to clinch the third place K2 doubles race with partner Helen Jansen van Vuuren.
David Brown from La Salle College finished eighth in the U/14 boys and in the doubles competition he managed a fourth place with partner Nicholas Erwee.
Sisanda Mthabela from Roodepoort High School finished 15th against the strong competition in the U/16 girls and seventh in the doubles race.
Free lessons are available at Florida Lake on Sundays at 2pm for school children to learn the sport until they are able to compete in races. Contact Jennie Dallas on 082 857 8571 for more information to join the group.
