Paddlers from all over the country faced the mighty Orange River with plenty of excitement for another edition of the annual Orange Descent Canoe Marathon.
This event took place on Saturday (12/11) and Sunday. Days before the canoe marathon, the river was described as running at levels of roughly 100 cumecs.
After two days and a total distance of 54 km in his canoe, Heinrich Schloms from the Paarl was the first to finish the race.
On the tail of his canoe was Waldo van der Linde from Upington in the second position. Mabaso Nkosikhona from KwaZulu-Natal was third in the K1 category.
The first female to finish the marathon was Bianca Beavitt.
The first to finish in the K2 category was André Hawarden and Ute Greiner.
Day one of the marathon commenced at Die Punt Resort outside Keimoes and finished 26 km down-stream at Die Mas Resort in Kakamas after some paddling on canals as well.
Day two started at Sakkie Se Arkie in Upington and finished 28 km down-stream at Oranje Rus, Kanoneiland.
After the event, Van der Linde, who is also the organiser, announced on the Facebook page that they are “testing the water” for new proposed dates for the 2023 Orange Descent. The proposed dates are 9 and 10 December.
“These dates slot in just after the school exams and just before schools close for the December holidays. This will allow everyone to bring the whole family and come and enjoy the Northern Cape to its full potential,” he said.
Van der Linde is asking for feedback on the proposed dates before adding it to the 2023 calender.
For more information on the marathon, as well as the full results and plenty of photos, visit the Facebook page Orange Descent.
