KNYSNA NEWS - The second Rotary Knysna Lagoon Splash Festival was held from Friday to Sunday, December 20 to 22 in glorious weather and with very enthusiastic participation by fun seekers of all ages.

The Mud Run Obstacle Course at Loerie Park was muddier and more challenging than last year. The changed location made it more spectator friendly this time around and there were three times more participants, including a surprising number of parents.

On December 21 the Knysna Waterfront witnessed the exciting Quack Attack of 500 yellow rubber ducks racing along the canal. Mike Roy was lucky enough to hold the number of the winning duck. The Lagoon Mile Swim out around the yacht club, around a buoy and back into the Quays, as well as the Junior Swim of 450 meters proved to be popular with swimmers as well as with spectators.

The winners were Dane Lategan (junior swim), Aimee Cariny (girls under 10), Emma Kiely (girls under 16), Lisa Cowling (ladies open) and Odette van der Watt (ladies over 40). The male winners were Thomas Ferguson (under 10), Devon van der Westhuizen (under 16), Liam Fourie (men’s open) and Rayden Justin (men over 40). Unfortunately the race times were lost due to a computer malfunction.

The Dragon Boat Races were held all day on December 22 on Thesens Island. Seventeen participating teams provided excitement and sometimes heated debate. Particularly in the afternoon, paddling became a challenge in quite windy conditions. The majestic and fiery dragon floating trophy was won by the Belvidere Tsunami Dragons in fierce competition from Frost Brothers.

All from the festival profits will be used by the Rotary Club for water-related projects in the community, including safe swimming. The Rotary Club of Knysna thanked all who contributed to the success of the festival - be it by sponsorship, marketing, encouragement or participation.

View more photos here.


And they're off for the Lagoon Mile Swim and the Junior Swim.

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