The Berg River Canoe Marathon Time Trial (a paddler’s second’s point of view)

There seemed to be an excitement in the air at this year’s Berg River Canoe Marathon. I’m sure that Windhoek’s heavy sponsorship of the 50th Berg (last year) went a big way towards rejuvenating general anticipation for the race, and even though the number of entries had dropped, the water levels definitely had not, and paddlers and their seconds bustled around preparing for the start in a way that I haven’t seen for a long time.

This race is not for sissies. Paddling a stretch of 240 kilometres over 4 days makes it the toughest canoe challenge in Africa (if not the world), with most serious contenders for the age category medals beginning their preparation months in advance. The first two days are tactical and tricky, with many tree blocks and other obstacles that need to be portaged or navigated around. The second two days are longer, with more straight, flat water paddling sections.

Not being a paddler myself, I’ve never seen many of these obstacles first hand, but as a second you do get a unique perspective on the race. If you were to put an advert in the paper seeking a second (support person), it would have to read: Requirements: patient and calm yet with a streak of adrenaline junkie, well organised, with awesome time management skills, blessed with the amazing ability to withstand cold and rainy conditions. Should also be able to reverse a car out of any situation, and be a magician.

The evening before the race sees all of the elite paddlers racing for a starting position as near as possible to the first day’s yellow jersey (worn this year by Hank McGregor). This year’s time trial was a little different, starting at the Berg River resort and ending at the Paarl Canoe Club. A change from the usual flattish water dice from Paarl to Dal Josephat weir, the time trail this year was more befitting of a river race. The change was welcomed by the seconds, as it made the end a bit more exciting and friendly, with good parking and a great view.