The 2023 Chronicle

finishing in the top 50 overall, as well as Lucien Baldry and Stuart Neilson, who both finished in the top 100.

In the individual standings, Michaelhouse also took the top age group placings, with Lucien Baldry winning the U18 age group and Craig Cribbins winning the U16 age group. TRIPPING With the good rains earlier this year, rivers were flowing well, which gave the club the opportunity to scout and learn the rapids and lines on a number of rivers under non-racing conditions. Outings included trips down the Umkomaas, Umgeni, Lion’s and Upper Tugela rivers. Michaelhouse canoeists also participated in a number of provincial and national events, representing a total of 28 days of racing. The boys did well, dominating the top positions in the U16 and U18 age groups in most of the races. 28-29 JANUARY – THE DRAK CHALLENGE Twelve boys completed the two-day, 65km Drak Challenge, one of the most competitive river races on the calendar. Rob Butcher, Huntley Earle, Lucien Baldry and Stuart Neilson all finished in the top 100 overall. PROVINCIAL AND NATIONAL CANOEING EVENTS

NAME

POS

K1 / K2 AGE

OVERALL

Robert Butcher Lucien Baldry Stuart Neilson Ethan Cockram Jaden Adam Harrison Field & Mr Snyman Craig Cribbins & Mr Cribbins

47 89 97

K1 K1 K1 K1 K1 K2

U18 U18 U18 U18 U18 SNR

4th 7th 9th

131 155

13th 15th

66

235

K2

SNR

5-8 JULY – BERG RIVER CANOE MARATHON Ethan Cockram took on the mighty challenge of the 240km Berg River Marathon this year. The race is held over four days between Paarl and Velddrif in the Western Cape, and besides long days on the river, paddlers frequently have to overcome cold, strong headwinds and driving rain. Ethan not only completed the event but placed first in the U18 age group. Michaelhouse once again organised and hosted the Tugela 20s Marathon, which also doubled as the KZN Schools River Champs. This two-day event was held in Winterton and attracted a good turnout of 54 junior paddlers, representing 13 schools and clubs. Craig Cribbins, still paddling at U16, took the overall line honours in a closely contested battle with Maritzburg College, also earning himself the gold medal in his age group. Lucien Baldry won the bronze medal in the U18s. 14 AUGUST – KZN K1 INTERSCHOOL RIVER CHAMPIONSHIPS – TUGELA RIVER

NAME

POS

K1 / K2 AGE

OVERALL

Robert Butcher Stuart Neilson Huntley Earle Lucien Baldry Harrison Field Craig Cribbins

63 65 86 97

K1 K1 K1 K1 K1 K1 K1 K2 K1 K1 K1 K2

U18 U18 U23 U18 U18 U16 U16 U18 U18 U18 U18

4 6

25

9

120 121 134 161 172 192 227 280

10

7 8

Jess Webber

NAME

AGE U18 U18 U18 U16 U16

OVERALL

Luca Kritzinger

44 15 16 18 21

Lucien Baldry Stuart Neilson Nathan Strachan Craig Cribbins

3 4 8 1 6

Peter Hein Jaden Adam

Ethan Cockram Nathan Strachan

Jess Webber

16-18 FEBRUARY – THE DUSI CANOE MARATHON

6TH – 7TH OCTOBER - FISH RIVER CANOE MARATHON

Seven Michaelhouse boys entered the 2023 Dusi Canoe Marathon, which will be remembered for the highest water levels ever recorded in the history of the race. Days 2 and 3 were running at a flow rate of over 100 cubic metres per second, which is more than double that of any other level seen on the race. For those participating this year, “to finish was to win”, as surviving the big water and making it to Durban was a challenge just in itself. Very well done to all the boys who took part, with 100% of our boys finishing.

Eleven canoeists entered and completed the 84km Fish River Canoe Marathon held over two days in the Karoo town of Cradock. The Michaelhouse “Fish Tour” is traditionally a five- day event, with three days of tripping and scouting the various rapids and weirs on the river before the racing starts. The boys find this extra time on the river invaluable preparation for the event as they know what to expect on race day The Michaelhouse canoeists did well. Lucien Baldry and partner won the U18 age group, with Stuart Neilson and Harrison Field close behind in second place. Craig Cribbins and Jess Webber won the U16 age group.

Special mention of Rob Butcher for earning a silver medal by

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