JCC UPPER KLIP RACE – 3 JULY 2016 – LIDO TO IXOXO MANZI
The 34km Upper Klip race was never going to be an easy walk, and with a variety of obstacles and difficult challenges was aimed at A grade paddlers who have more experience. With the cold temperatures throughout the country on the weekend, the race which took place on Sunday 3 July would be difficult with lots of stops, starts, and portages as well – with the longer distance of over 30km, it was tough, and cold.
The race started at Buksies near the Lido Hotel, to finish at Ixoxo Manzi just before Mine Rapid.
Less than 20 paddlers finished with some no shows despite entering, and a couple of non finishers, as well as a boat break, in a very small field aimed at Berg trainees rather than novices needing points although there may have been one Berg trainee! and a couple of novices!
Alex Masina (JCC) won the race, as the first Under 18, in a time of 2 hours 42 minutes, while George Louw (DABS) was the first Sub Veteran in 2nd place and a time of 2 hours 44 minutes. The third podium position went to Under 23 Colin Ledwaba (VIC) who finished in a time of 2 hours 49 minutes.
Gavin Steyl finished in 2 hours 51 (JCC) as the first master, while Roland Smith (VIC) was the first Senior paddler to finish – in 2 hours 51. Meyer Steyn (Dabs) finished as the first Grand Master in 2:55, and the first K2 with Loveday Zondi and Kevin Asman (Sow/Dabs) finished in 3:06.
A few newer novices hoping for points and first year experience, managed to finish within the cutoff in their K1’s which was undoubtedly great experience, an excellent challenge for a novice paddler to achieve so well done to them! They include Guy Crichton (FLCC) from Witbank dam, as well as Marcell Otto (Centurion), and Herman Strauss (FLCC) – a superb effort guys – well done!
Kudo’s also to the only lady from Gauteng brave enough to take on the cold challenge – also a novice albeit with an experienced Dusi paddling partner – well done to Christina Sears and Michael (VIC/DABS) – Mixed double finished in 3:48.
The boerie rolls went down well for the hungry hard working paddlers after a seriously hard challenge! Well done to all and thanks to JCC.
Jennie Dallas
for GCU PR
082 857 857 1