This weekend its UMKO! The last big race of the river paddling season. If you don't paddle, that means a bunch of crazy South Africans paddling canoes originally designed for flat water, down some really big rapids. To give you an idea, the only rapid on Dusi that compares to Umko is portaged by 95% of Dusi paddlers- Island 1 and 2.
More good news is that there should be some decent water in the river, which should have Umko die hards smiling after last years lowest race in history.
The race for victory is set between 3 crews. Ant Stott is riding shotgun behind river legend Deon Bruss. Hank McGregor has teamed up with Brandon van fer Walt and certainly look like the fastest crew on the water. Then there is the well established team from JHB of Jacque Theron and Piers Cruikshanks. If water levels hold, the 3 will very likely be close together (if not in a group) after the day 1 section from Josephines to Riverside. Then the big numbered rapids on day 2 should decide it. It's all about no. 1-8!!!
Mishaps aside, the ladies should be taken by Hillary Pitchford and Abby Adie. In fact I don't think any other ladies K2 crews have been brave enough to enter. That said, Claire Lindsay is a very brave lady indeed to have entered in a K1. Some old river dogs are saying there might be lots of water... news came through of a big storm near Underberg on Thursday! If the rain landed in the Polela, that means a big Umko over the weekend.
Hopefully there aren't to many injuries or anything, cos I'm the medical officer.
Whatever happens rain wise, with the river at 1,6m and rising on fri morning, its going to be a white knuckled, adrenalin filled ride.
Rob Davey and the organising committee from Kingfisher Canoe Club have made an awesome effort to bring back the spirit of the Umko. Thanks Rob, Ernoe and team
Just hope there is enough water (but not too much... eeek!)
More good news is that there should be some decent water in the river, which should have Umko die hards smiling after last years lowest race in history.
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| The much vaunted rapids, 5 and 6. Once 2 rapids, made into one really big two step thriller by the floods in 1987 (or so Rob davey tells me)... eeek |
Mishaps aside, the ladies should be taken by Hillary Pitchford and Abby Adie. In fact I don't think any other ladies K2 crews have been brave enough to enter. That said, Claire Lindsay is a very brave lady indeed to have entered in a K1. Some old river dogs are saying there might be lots of water... news came through of a big storm near Underberg on Thursday! If the rain landed in the Polela, that means a big Umko over the weekend.
Hopefully there aren't to many injuries or anything, cos I'm the medical officer.
Whatever happens rain wise, with the river at 1,6m and rising on fri morning, its going to be a white knuckled, adrenalin filled ride.
Rob Davey and the organising committee from Kingfisher Canoe Club have made an awesome effort to bring back the spirit of the Umko. Thanks Rob, Ernoe and team
Just hope there is enough water (but not too much... eeek!)
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