Paddlers braved fast-flowing water, narrow channels and mandatory portages as the TRAC Lowveld Crocodile River Race took place on October 11.

The race was originally planned for nearly 30km, but organisers reduced the route to 22km to avoid a protective hippo cow and her calf. A roped pool noodle was also set up at the 1.3km mark, requiring paddlers to carry their boats for 600m to bypass another hippo.

Portage training is standard for river paddlers and is frequently featured in events like the Dusi Canoe Marathon in KwaZulu-Natal. Safety measures included pre-race river checks, marshals, red and white warning tape around hazards like fallen trees, and an inflatable support boat trailing the field to assist with breakdowns.

Paddling legend Piers Cruickshanks, formerly of Dabulamanzi Canoe Club at Emmarentia Dam, organised the event, while Siseko Ntondini, of the Soweto Canoe and Recreation Club, won the senior category in 01:28:00, followed by Benjamin Mntonintshi in 01:29:00.

Dabulamanzi Canoe Club paddler Robert Crichton led his clubmates by placing sixth overall in 01:34:00. Michael-John Robb finished in 01:40:00, Nick Warren in 01:43:00, Daniel Cole in 01:52:00, Peter Geach in 01:53:00, Daryn Koertzen in 01:54:00, Chad Andrews in 01:55:33, Malcolm Stothard in 01:55:39 and Clive Evans in 01:59:00.

Paddlers enjoyed great water levels and bright sunshine throughout the race.

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