By tradition, the Hansa Waterfront Rush, presented by kickbutt energy ballz and Vibram FiveFingers technical shoes, is one of the highlights of the final day of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, and this year Knysna served perfect, balmy winter weather for the occasion.
"The short, explosive nature of the event makes it a great spectator sport, and with the Navy’s concert band creating an incredible atmosphere, the vibe at the Knysna Waterfront was electric - all of which contributed to the athletes posting frighteningly fast times," said race director, Mark Collins of event organisers Magnetic South.
Unlike most multi-sport events, which generally take place in remote areas that aren’t usually accessible to the viewing public, the Hansa Waterfront Rush took place within the confines of a limited area of the Waterfront at the Knysna Quays. It required competitors to show their skills at kayaking and climbing, and on a very unusual obstacle course that included ‘running’ on the water in Africa’s only Hydro Bronc (which looks a little like inflatable hamster wheels).
The Rush was not a one-day event, and 94 hopefuls (18 women and 76 men) took part in the heats during the two days leading up to the elimination rounds, with 74 people posting qualifying times.
In the end, Steven Webber, Ryan Louw, Olivier Feuillette, Tanya Weyers, Gabriel van Wyk, Arnold Venter, Martin Fraser McKenzie and Cameron Taylor met in the semi-finals.
"It may seem strange to see men and women competing on the same leader board, but thanks to our G-Bat system (gender-based adjustment for time), everyone has an equal chance of taking the R10 000 first prize," explained Collins.
This year saw the introduction of a photographic competition for spectators. "The Hansa Waterfront Rush is a superbly photogenic event," said Collins, "and we’re looking for the shots that’ll capture its essence."
He explained that all entries could be viewed on the social media websit, facebook (www.facebook.com/motionpixel) and that the winners would be announced on July 16.
In the end, the result was determined by experience, and with local man Martin Fraser McKenzie up against the father of the play-boat and retired professional paddler, Olivier Feuillette, it was always going to be an explosive affair.
"This makes it four years in a row that Ollie’s taken the crown, and I think we can now safely call him King of the Rush - he’s a class act who’s impossible to beat!" said Collins.
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