THE TRAC LOWVELD CROC – 22 & 23 SEPTEMBER 2018
The Crocodile River rises near the highest point in Mpumalanga and meanders past the trout haven of Dullstroom, through the spectacular Schoemanskloof and over the Montrose Falls on its journey to the ocean. Situated on this pristine stretch of water is one of the best stretches of white water in the country which coupled with the beauty of the area makes this stretch of testing rapids a roller coaster ride for a canoeist.
The original trophy for the Lowveld Croc Canoe Marathon, donated by the Nelspruit Town Council in 1962, reads like the who’s who of SA canoeing history. The trophy bears the names of some of the greatest canoeists that this country has produced, from Jimmy Potgieter, the original winner, to Paul Chalupsky, Willem van Riet, Jerome Truran, Sean Rice, Robbie Herreveld, Colin Simpkins, Graham Bird, Mark Perrow, Ant Stott, Hank McGregor and Siseko Ntondini.
With the support of Trac N4 concession who has supported the race for over 10 years and who’s pristine roads runs along this beautiful river stretch that is being paddled it makes for a great partnership.
Some general information relating to race day and entries
- We have a confirmed water release of 7 cumecs for both Saturday and Sunday, which means 100% fun.
- Race starts Saturday morning at 10:00 at Kwena dam. See directions on our website www.lowveldcanoe.co.za
- Do take note of the road condition once you turn left coming from Gauteng at Bambi on the R36. Big Potholes!!
- Entry fees are R600.00 for seniors and R300.00 juniors. ALL ENTRIES TO BE THROUGH CSA WEBSITE. Late entries are allowed on race day.
- If you are struggling to enter and receives a proficiency message on the CSA website, please direct queries to Rene at GCU with confirmation that you have paddled 6 A rated races for example, Dusi, Fish or Umko. Her contact details is info@gcu.co.za
- First 100 entries receive a classic Croc cap.
- There will be food and drinks available at finish so bring cash.
Finally, the croc river and surrounds are a wilderness area and inhabited by, amongst others hippo.
As a club LCC cannot guarantee the exact number or locality of these animals as they continue to move up and down the river.
Therefore, please note the indemnity of the club and sponsors for any casualties relating to hippo on race day.
We have been tripping the river over the weekends and have, to date not encountered any hippos on these trips. This does not mean there are no hippos on the river. We will have scouts paddling down before the race start as we do each year, but that does not guarantee that any hippo that may be present in the river will be seen as they tend to remain out of the fast water and below the surface. If anything is spotted, it shall become a compulsory portage for all. It is critical that participants are aware of these risks which LCC deem no more or less severe than previous races.
Lastly, it’s a long weekend so bring the family down to the warm beautiful lowveld for a great weekend.
See you there.
JC Kriek 082 653 5440
Race Organiser