FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

in the form of a tour to explore the Orange River, on the section between Hopetown and Douglas. The tour group, consisting of boys and their families, based themselves at Witfontein Game Lodge and spent the days paddling different sections of the Orange. It was a very successful tour, and a lot of experience was gained navigating new and challenging rapids. Aside from official events and with the rivers running well during the rainy season, the club also arranged trips on the Umgeni, Umkomaas and Lion’s River. This allowed the boys to learn new skills and navigate different rivers without the pressure of a racing environment. Canoe polo has seen a sharp increase in interest, leading to weekly games being played on the Juan van der Westhuizen Dam here at school. Other schools are showing an interest in regular interschool matches, so we should see a revival of this exciting canoeing discipline. In October the canoe club was privileged to have Clive Whitton, the South African canoe polo coach and team manager, hold a clinic to teach essential skills and game tactics. KZN INTERSCHOOL LEAGUE Twenty-three schools and clubs participated in the 2024 Interschools League, represented by 167 canoeists competing in nine events. These events included river and flat-water marathons, canoe polo and team relays. Next season will also see the introduction of kayak cross, which is now an Olympic discipline. Michaelhouse canoeists took the top places in all the individual logs and finished third overall in the group log. INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS IN THE INTERSCHOOLS BOYS’ CATEGORY: U14 Jamie Grantham 1st place U16 Duncan Roberts 1st place U18 Craig Cribbins 1st place

NAME

POS K1/K2 AGE GROUP

Craig Cribbins 55

K1

(U18)3rd

Stuart Neilson

112

K1

(U18)10th

Robert Short

226

K1

(U18)20th

Nathan Strachan 254

K2

(U18)22nd

15-17 FEBRUARY – THE DUSI CANOE MARATHON

This year the Dusi was held on its revised course for the second time, which strategically avoids the heavily polluted stretch of river through Pietermaritzburg. This change, implemented by the organizers, has proven to be a resounding success, with virtually no reported cases of pollution-related illnesses among participants. This year’s marathon, being a K2 event, saw boys teaming up to race either competitively or simply reach the finish line in Durban. Among the notable achievements, a special commendation goes to Craig Cribbins and Stuart Neilson, who earned a silver medal by finishing in the top 50 overall. The decision to alter the route has not only ensured a healthier environment for the paddlers but has also set a new standard for future events, highlighting the organizers’ commitment to the well-being of all participants.

NAME

POS

K1/K2 AGE GROUP

Craig Cribbins & Stuart Neilson Robert Short & partner Graydon Leslie

36

K2

U18 3rd

102

K2

Open 102

104

K2

Open 104

& father

14 AUGUST: TUGELA 20S KZN INTERSCHOOL RIVER CHAMPIONSHIPS The Michaelhouse Canoe Club proudly hosted the Tugela 20s River Marathon once again, a scenic two-day event on the Tugela River. This year’s marathon, which doubled as the KZN Schools River Championships, attracted participation from 10 schools and clubs, showcasing the region’s top young paddlers, from the U12s through to U18 boys and girls. In addition to the school competitors, the marathon welcomed senior paddlers who raced in their own category, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. The course started below the picturesque Spionkop Dam wall and stretched over 40km, finishing at Skeitdrift in the Winterton farming district. Unfortunately, our matric boys could not participate as the event clashed with their matric dance. NAME POS K1/K2 AGE GROUP Craig Cribbins 2 K1 U18 2nd Robert Short 16 K1 U18 9th Duncan Roberts 14 K1 U16 5th Jamie Grantham 37 K1 U14 7th 139

PROVINCIAL AND NATIONAL CANOEING EVENTS

Michaelhouse canoeists participated in 30 days of racing across various provincial and national events. The boys performed exceptionally well, achieving top positions across the age groups in most of the events. Here are some results from the major races:

27-28 JANUARY – THE DRAK CHALLENGE

Early in the new year Michaelhouse took a team of boys to take part in the Drak Challenge in Underberg. Covering a distance of 65km over two days, this is one of the biggest river races on the calendar. Whilst the more experienced boys raced in the event, the novices were guided through the lower gorge under non racing conditions, giving them valuable river experience.