Big win on Little Fish for Louws; surf’s up for lifesavers

WINNING the Little Fish by almost 15 minutes, the Cradock-raised combination of Greg and Ryan Louw showed they still have what it takes to win on the river.

Finishing second were the Zeelie Brothers with St Francis Paddling Club’s Phil Smith and Jossie Williams in third.

Race director Kevin Klette has taken the event from strength to strength under his watch and by all accounts the day was one to remember.

“It’s a fantastic weekend away for the province’s paddling community and I’m happy to have a small part in that,” Klette said. Middleton Manor bursts to life over the Little Fish weekend with a plethora of active people looking to paddle, mountain-bike, trail run and most importantly, party hard.

A multitude of sponsors make the event possible and it’s great to see local companies backing paddling in the Eastern Cape.

The day was not without its thrills and spills with a few paddlers leaving with a greater respect for the river. Narrow and fast flowing, the river is exciting yet unforgiving if one laps in concentration.

Often on the water – as in life when you think you’ve tamed the beast – it comes back and bites you. Many great paddling champions still take swims and are humbled like novices.

Surf lifesavers from around the country have descended onto Kings Beach today to do battle at the annual National Titles.

Of the most famous is the iconic Matthew Bouman from Durban and a member of the Marine Surf Lifesaving Club. Bouman is a waterman of note, representing South Africa in no less than five water sport codes.

A man mountain standing almost 2.1m tall, the approachable Bouman is a welcome sight on the beach competing and it’s great to see his like still taking an interest in such an important movement.

Lifesaving is undervalued in South Africa and lacks the resources it deserves. Thousands of people throng the beaches over the weekends and it’s the volunteer members – who are competing today – who keep them safe.

Lifesaving and its many wonderful attributes could easily be converted into educational classes for school children. Basic first aid, ocean awareness and an all-round love for nature will be instilled.

We all come from the sea, it’s time we get back to our roots.