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The days are getting shorter; there is a bit of a chill in the air; the leaves are changing colour on the trees; and the cold, misty mornings are all signs winter is coming. For canoeists in the Western Cape, that means the rains are on their way and the river season is here.
It also means we are just 60 days away from "The Ultimate Canoe Race", the annual four-day Berg River Canoe Marathon from Paarl to Velddrif which takes place this year on July 3-6.
With about two months to go, entries are steadily flowing in and there are already more entries in 2024 that last year, which is just another sign that the race is beginning its re-growth.
Among the entries is a highly respected Irish ultra-long-distance paddler. The professional kayaker has an impressive CV that includes whitewater and sea paddling, which means he should be able to hold his own in the swirling eddies of the Berg. Will he be able to challenge and beat SA's best? That remains to be seen, but watch this space when his South African sponsors announce his participation.
But on to somebody more important ... YOU! Yes, you, the reader of this newsletter.
How is your training going?
You know you want to be part of the 2024 Berg River Marathon, so why not quickly head over to paddler.canoesa.com and get your entry in, and then grab your paddles and splashy, load your boat and head off on a training session.
With 60 days to go you have time to put in enough hours in your boat and be fit enough to prevent the dreaded "Berg River FOMO".
Renè and his fellow event organisers are putting in as much effort into the organising as the elite paddlers are training, as they make sure the 2024 race is one of the best, and you do not want to miss out.
See you in Paarl on July 3.
All entries via the CSA Entry Portal at https://paddler.canoesa.com/ |
