Fibreglass toothpicks v Cape Point

FLOATING like the mythical Flying Dutchmen, the ski of English competitor Gus England sans paddler haunted the top-seeds in this year’s Cape Point Challenge.

England got taken out by a rogue wave near Olifantsbos Point and had to deal with a chilly swim in the 10°C water.

Praise must be heaped onto the NSRI who swiftly dealt with paddlers in difficulty during the event. Along with England, Capetonian stalwart paddler Bianca Beavit also got dealt a heavy blow and had to be rescued.

Only splinters and shards remained of their fragile skis. It is a crazy thought that a person can paddle around the most treacherous coast found anywhere on a little fibreglass toothpick.

Suffering the day’s biggest loss due to two massive swims, was Nikki Mocke.

Showing fighting spirit which has seen her win many international events, the mother of two fought back to a respectable fourth place.

Chloe Bunnett had the race of her life and masterfully negotiated the Cape of Storms to win her first Cape Point Challenge. Bunnett lives the paddler’s dream and spends most of the year in exotic locations chasing the pro circuit.

In the men’s race, defending champion Hank McGregor showed pure class and paddled away from all to secure his fifth title.

ICF world champion Sean Rice came home in second place with Fish Hoek’s favourite son, Dawid Mocke, in third.

A great feature of the event is that everyone who finishes, receives a medal from a past winner.

South African paddlers can now look forward to a short break before the river racing season begins in earnest up in KwaZulu-Natal.

Beginning with the Drak Challenge this month on the crystal clear waters of the Underberg to the raging torrent that is the Dusi held in March.

One last race to contend with, is the ever popular Investec Keith Anderson Memorial Paddle held in St Francis Bay. Held on your correspondent’s favourite course, the 15km event incorporates the sea, river mouth and famous canals.

Paddlerscan also look forward to the World Surfski Championships which will be held in Tahiti this year.

On the bucket list of every waterman, Tahiti will be an awesome location to be crowned the champion of the high seas.

Until the next paddle, take care.