Canoeing marathons

© SA TourismLong distance paddling races in South Africa are run on waters that most paddlers in other parts of the world would never consider tackling in a K1 or K2. It’s just something that has evolved. Some of the classic races include the Berg River Marathon and the Breede River Marathon in the Western Cape, the Fish River Marathon in the Eastern Cape, the Lowveld Croc in Mpumalanga and the two heavies – the Dusi Marathon and the Umkomaas in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Berg is a really tough one as, being in midwinter, it can be extremely cold, and the first two days are quite technical. The fourth day, in contrast, is long and flat and – quite often – has a strong headwind, testing paddlers’ fitness and sheer tenacity to the max. In dry years it can be very gnarly indeed. The Breede River Marathon is a K2 race run in September over two days from Robertson to Swellendam. Both of these races are close to fabulous wine country and not far from Cape Town.

The Fish, in the Eastern Cape, has the advantage of being at the receiving end of an interbasin transfer from the Orange River, so race organisers liaise with the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry to ensure a good flow. It’s run over two days in October and is quite a test of boats and skill. This race could be combined with a game viewing holiday at The Greater Addo Elephant National Park or one of the other malaria-free Eastern Cape game-viewing destinations.

Also in October which is, incidentally, great game-viewing time in Mpumalanga, the Lowveld Croc is a two day, white water marathon on the Crocodile River (not to be confused with the other Crocodile River near Johannesburg). This race is smack in the middle of good game-viewing territory so there is much for non-paddling partners to do, and also a lot to keep paddlers happy after the race. The Kruger National Park is very close by and the whole area is quite scenic.

Probably the toughest, and certainly the most iconic canoe race in South Africa is the Dusi. Run every January on the Umsinduzi River from Pietermaritzburg, it joins the Umgeni and ends in Durban. Long portages (really long portages, like 10 km), some technical sections, lots of flat water and often gruelling summer heat take their toll of even the toughest paddlers. Not nearly as long, but far more technical, the Umkomaas Marathon, held in February, is a real test of boats and paddlers – with rapids hovering around the limit of possibility for K1’s and K2’s. The Dusi and the Umkomaas are both close to Durban, and could be combined with a holiday in KwaZulu-Natal taking in some Zulu culture, diving, general beach chilling, or perhaps a visit to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve a few hours drive to the north.

And, if you fancy doing some really relaxed tripping with non-paddling or only marginally paddling companions after the race, check out canoeing, kayaking & rafting.