Paddle race focus on clean-up
A UNIQUE new paddling event aimed at raising awareness about the clean-up work done by the Zwartkops Conservancy has been unveiled for the Swartkops Estuary.
The SPAR River Paddle Challenge will be sponsored by the supermarket chain and will feature a unique format, event organiser Louis Beyers said.
“It’s not just another flat-water race. It will be paddled at high tide through the channels that meander through the estuary, the first paddling event of its kind in South Africa,” Beyers said.
There will be two main events of 6km, first paddled as a time trial then as a handicap race determined by the first race times, and there will also be shorter distances.
Invitations have been extended to paddling clubs across the province and as far afield as Knysna, and a strong field is anticipated.
“So it will be a fun event – but also for the top dogs,” Beyers said.
“The main aim is to raise awareness of the work done by the Zwartkops Conservancy, backed up by paddlers and members of the Bluewater Bay Surf Lifesaving and Canoeing Club, to keep the estuary clean and free of rubbish.”
The race will take place on March 11 in the Dufour Park area of Amsterdamhoek, starting at 3pm.
The public would be alerted soon about entry details, Beyers said.