Surfski races along the coastline have been growing in popularity, and paddlers in Gauteng are feeling left out, especially as rivers become more polluted.<\/p>\n
The decision to host a Gauteng High Altitude Surfski Championships race annually has taken the surfski, SUP and sit-on top paddling community by storm, and the race in early March every year is growing from strength to strength with superb sponsorships from Euro Steel, Adreach, Fenn, Set and a number of private individuals.<\/p>
To make it even more exciting, top celebrity paddlers come from far and wide to challenge the Gauteng champions.<\/p>\n
The celebrity status competitors included multiple Dusi winner Andrew Birkett, the world Surfski and marathon champion; as well as multiple Dusi race winner Hank McGregor; the Olympian bronze medallist Bridgitte Hartley and two-times world surfski champion Jasper Mocke.<\/p>
The race was recently hosted at Emmarentia Dam – 10 laps of the dam made up a 10km hard, fast time trial.<\/p>\n
To make the waves – for simulated surf conditions – a number of motorboats and jetskis revved motors up and down the centre of the dam as the paddlers made circuits on the outside – with enormous fun enjoyed by all, especially the spectators, passers-by and drivers.<\/p>\n
Richard Cele and Colin Ledwaba from Victoria Lake Canoe Club were among the numerous Gauteng paddlers who took pleasure in the enjoyable event.<\/p>\n
They finished in 20th position in a time of 50 minutes.<\/p>\n
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