Better late than never

Better late than never – King of the Kromme results

Greg Louw, the “Bay Bullet”, in a time 1hr 44min is the 2017 “KING OF THE KROMME”, winning R1500, plus 12 months bragging rights, and his name engraved on the beautiful trophy … again! This is the first time in 11 years that we have a two-time winner! Local up-and-coming Phil Smith took second place, narrowly beating East London’s super-fit veteran Hennie Roos, both 4min behind Louw. Another local, 14 year-old Graydon Mitchley, was the first junior, performing exceptionally well for his age, and was not far behind in 5^th place, just behind experienced Josie Williams, who hadn’t been well. Another top paddler, Richard Von Wildemann, didn’t fire on all cylinders this time, and was well back.

There was also a 12km short course, plus a 1km under 10 and under 12 guppy race. Entry fee of R75 included a sumptuous Quaysyde meal. As usual, Carbonology supplied a paddle valued at R2500 as a lucky-draw and another one for the juniors, thanks Jason Goedhals and Hein Van Rooyen!

This annual race started and finished at Quaysyde on the Canals at 10am on Easter Monday 17 April 2017, and wound up the beautiful Kromme and Geelhout Rivers.

Thanks Sacha Park for the photos and videos. Thanks also to Dave and Marie Louw, Ingrid Staples, Gail Brooker, Alicia Vorster (registration/time-keeping), Pete King (turn buoy and safety boat), Phil Niven (safety boat skipper), and Catherine Mitchley (safety boat vice-captain).

Video: https://web.facebook.com/Quaysyde/videos/1872413189683697/