The SA K4 Championships races took place at Shongweni Dam on the weekend 2 and 3 August in good conditions – although apparently a cold front is on the way to spoil the upcoming Tugela race! or add to its flavour and challenge!
Awesome photos on the Umzinyathi Facebook page – DO enjoy!
The fastest time recorded in the results received for the SA K4 championships was 1;21:19, and Under 18 team from local club (LEM), with the Varsity College Under 23 team recording a time 2 seconds slower, and the 2nd Under 18 Natalian team also cracked a 1:21 time.
The fastest Gauteng time was the Academy ladies team of Esti van Tonder with Tiffany Kruger roped in a couple of top Natal paddlers to make up a K4 team including Dusi achiever Abby Adie and Kayla de Beer to finish as the top ladies team in 1:25, 4th fastest K4 in the final race.
The Under 23 male team representing the province from Florida Lake Canoe Club finished in 1:26 with Donald Moncho, Sammy Lenyora, Macdonald Nkosi and Melusi Nxumalo who achieved 2nd place silver podium positions for their efforts, finishing as the 7th fastest male team.
Two Under 14 juniors from Likkewaan Canoe Club in Parys joined up with a couple of Natal paddlers to win the Under 14 race in a time of 1:29 – Jonathan Jooste and Wian Bornman.
Junior girls Under 16 paddlers from Holy Rosary school in Johannesburg who are members of the Academy of Canoe Development at Roodeplaat finished as the 5th junior girls team in a time of 2 hours 9 minutes, and as the 2nd Under 16 team – Caitlin Williams, Kallen Carrick, Tyler Venske and Robyn Knowles.
Shaun Maphanga (FLCC) who escorted the Under 23 FLCC team to the championships also got roped in and “luckily” had his canoeing kit and was able to fill a SubVeteran boat that came in 2nd.
And a great weekend of hard fast racing and good fun was enjoyed by all – thanks to the Umzinyathi Canoe Club for providing the opportunity!