Paddler Bonanza on St Francis Bay Canals this weekend

Paddling (canoe & surfski) has become a hugely popular sport / pastime in St Francis and recently attracted some of South Africa’s finest at the SA Canoe Marathon Championship. Amongst those who competed in those championships was  one who could be considered one of the greatest paddlers in the world was Hank McGregor, Well Hank is returning to St Francis this Thursday to attend a dinner in his honour as a G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) on Thursday evening.

Whilst in St Francis Bay, Richard Arderne has challenged Hank to take on the St Francis Paddling Club;s Time Trial record of 41 minutes 26 seconds. Should Hank succeed in this challenge from he will take home the R5000 prize on offer from Pam Golding Properties St Francis Bay for breaking the record. That said and that Hank is one of the finest paddlers the world has known, it should be a synch but …..

The tide will not be in Hank’s favour making it all that more difficult for him to achieve what so many others have treid and so he will have to pull a paddling rabbit out of the hat to win the R5000 Pam Golding St Francis is offering.

And on the subject of paddling the annual (13th edition this year) Pam Golding Winter Challenge will take place on Sunday 22nd July  at 10:00 am from Quaysyde on Seaglades Drive on the canals. A doubles event the race takes place over a 10 kilometre or 20 kilometre course depending on competitor’s preference

For the first three participants crossing the finish line in the 20km event combined prize money of R3 000 is on offer whilst the winners in the following categories will also receive prizes:

  • ladies,
  • mixed,
  • over 55,
  • guppies,
  • juniors
  • first locals to cross the finish line.

There will also be a lucky draw prize of Carbonology Split Paddles

The race kicks off at Quaysyde at 10:00  and there is an entry fee is R150 per person and this includes a light lunch to replace the energy spent during the race.

Enter online at eccu.co.za or contact 083 284 0168.