Victoria Lake Canoe Club (VLC) were thrilled to host the next leg of the Gauteng Canoe Union (GCU) School League\u2019s race series last Sunday at Germiston Lake.<\/p>\n
The series, made up of approximately eight races, runs in line with the school calendar.<\/p>
Last Sunday\u2019s event allowed the young paddlers a chance to hone their skills in preparation for the upcoming Provincial and National Marathon Championships taking place in June.<\/p>\n
The event also earned the paddlers, who came from across Gauteng and the Free State, not only individual points, but points towards their school and club league standings.<\/p>
\u201cMany of the Gauteng canoe clubs support the GCU School League by allowing us to run events at their clubs,\u201d explained Jodie Ellinor-Dreyer, GCU School League convenor.<\/p>\n
\u201cSchool league races at VLC are very popular as the facility has lots of space for the many spectators, the paddling routes are clearly marked and the hot chocolate from the clubhouse restaurant is a winner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ellinor-Dreyer was thrilled with the turnout at the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had 96 paddlers competing in the races from u-8s to u-18s,\u201d Ellinor-Dreyer said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe weather conditions were really kind to us even though the wind and surface currents caused a few hiccups.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, the crew from NSRI Station 27 (National Sea Rescue Institute) and St John Ambulance were our trusty water support and kept everyone safe.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll paddlers who capsized got back into their boats and finished their races with sheer guts and determination to earn points for their schools and clubs.\u201d<\/p>\n