The 17th annual 20km Pam Golding Properties Canals Winter Doubles Challenge was held in perfect calm sunny weather on Sunday, and won, predictably, by the very strong pairing of local Phil Smith and almost-local Ricky Talevi in a brisk 1hr 28min.
But to give you an idea of the strength of the field, very talented paddlers Barry Lewin and Steve Woods, both household names in the paddling world, came 4th!
Second behind the winners were strong young Thomas Lovemore and evergreen local Andrew Carter, only a meter behind the winners. However Phil and Ricky were well in control for the whole race, particularly the last few km.
Third was another top paddler Brandon van der Walt with young Willem Myburgh.
The first three doubles in the 20km race
Ten minutes behind the first four were the next four in a bunch, and predictably old campaigner Rob Welsh (a previous winner), with strong Werner Smit, took 5th place, with Garth Elliott & Marcus Burri, Pete King & Shaun Frayne and Gordon Spalding & Richard Arderne (first over 60’s!) a few seconds behind.
Not far behind them were top local Stephan Vorster with local vet Frank Dabrowski and the first ladies, Tracey van der Walt and evergreen Kirstin Scott.
And in 1hr 49min, the first mixed double, Fabian Smith and experienced Kerry Louw, with an U23 pairing, Johann Staats & Tim du Preez and over 60’s, Gavin Harvey and Dave Collins, and then two local U16’s Kamva Nkosinkulu & Berven Titus.
There was also a 10km race and a guppy race.
Besides the great weather, the JBay surfing was finished, and the local surf was small .. so paddling the race on the canals was the only option!
The second bunch approaching Quays
And we had Clyde Barendse chat to us at the prize-giving … he has paddled from Namibia to St Francis on his way to Mocambique, raising money for a friend with cancer, but had his vehicle burn out on Saturday night with his surfski and all his (uninsured) possessions. We are hoping to assist Clyde continue his trip.
Here are a few things about Sunday’s race:
* Prizes are only for doubles but singles are always very welcome!
* The start and finish is at Quays on the Canals.
* The route is the usual time trial route. Two laps for 10km and four for 20km.
* Prize money is R6500. (See prize list below)
* Huge thanks to Carbonology for once again (as they have done for so many years) provided a lucky draw Carbonology carbon split paddle, valued at R3500.
* And thanks to Woodlands Diary for once again providing their wonderful choc milks!
* Tide was mid-tide, going out. Quite low by the end of the 20km!
Thanks to all those that helped: Charles Jonsson, Jen Vallance,
Mandy McGregor, Magda Boshoff, Dave-and Marie Louw, Anita Dobrowski, Gail Brooker, Eric Hanson .. and Marian Smith, our wonderful photographer. And of course Capt Pete King for the briefing
Prizes
Cash Prizes Totalling R6500!
20km
1st boat: R2500, 2nd boat: R1000, 3rd boat: R500
1st ladies: R1250, 1st mixed: R250, 1st over 60: R250, 1st under 18: R500
Bottle of Pam Golding Red Wine for both paddlers: 1st place ladies, men, mixed, over 60
10km:
1st under 18: R250
Bottle of Pam Golding Red Wine for both paddlers:
1st place ladies, men, mixed, over 60
*Lucky Draw: *
Carbonology Paddle, valued at R3500
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