HERMANUS TO STANFORD RACE

It was a very disappointing kayak turnout but the three of us who did - Derek, Paul and Guido - had a great time. There were around 150 entrants on a perfect day. It was cloudy and there was no wind whatsoever so conditions were ideal. We set off down the lagoon toward the sea for a k, turned round a bouy and paddled up lagoon toward the river. Water was low so the portage was almost a kilometer but having a light Epic like I do, it was no real problem. Paul and Guido were in much heavier plastics so my hat is off to them for doing the whole race as well as they did. There were even two dragon boats in the race so imagine what their portage was like! The river passage itself is very calm, with reeds on both sides and the occasional house on the shore. After the race most paddlers went to the Birkinhead brewery for a dop and a braai.