Canoe Shoppe Croc Race

A good level (19.3 cumecs) brought a small turnout to the bridge at Friday’s Farm on Sunday morning, April 10th.

25 boats and 6 marshalls took to the water in the order in which they entered, and were judged on the best put-in for the reward of a cash spot prize. Most people launched on the far bank, but the prize went to Craig Smith of FLCC for a great spot next to a rock in the middle of the river. Two other boats launched there as well, but pushed off of the rock, while Craig calmly rested his boat next to rock, for a much smoother start. Ryan Sokolich (VLC) also won a spot prize for the second-best put-in, as he waded far out into the shallow water from the left bank.

Although rocky, as always, the paddlers enjoyed the good water, with reports of a big stopper at the bottom of Constantia. Rambo’s was a compulsory portage as the bridge has been washed away.
Marshalls gave out two spot prizes along the way, which were claimed at the finish. Thanks to Canoe Concepts for sponsoring a helly and a cap for each prize.

Shaun Maphanga (FLCC) came into the finish first, closely followed by junior Jandre Bezuidenhout (FLCC), who took the win by 4 minutes, as he started behind Shaun. Third place went to Mark Garden (Dabs) 10 minutes behind.

First vet was Pierre Andre van Leeuwen (PRE), first lady Minnie Kretzschmar (FLCC) and first master Charles Datt (Crocs).

Each paddler received a R100 repair voucher to be used at any of these canoe shops:
Canoe Concepts, H20 Sport, Kayak Racing, Macarbi, Robbie Herreveld’s Canoe & Kayak World

Thank you to all who participated. We hope to grow races on the Highveld Croc, as it is wonderful river on which to learn and technical enough to keep the experienced paddlers on their toes. Thanks to the finish venue Paddle Power for their support and those who assisted with safety, time keeping and general organisation.