KNYSNA NEWS - The longstanding Knysna lagoon challenge, this year sponsored by FHM, was once again well attended as a total of 179 paddlers took to the glassy water in perfect weather, from the Knysna Yacht Club on Sunday, July 10.

The 18km race course saw 109 paddlers paddle towards the Heads, turning just short of the Knysna NSRI base, looping back through Thesen Islands, the Waterfront and Knysna Quays, out to the railway bridge and ending back at the Knysna Yacht Club. A fast pace was set by the top paddlers from the start, with Port Elizabeth’s Richard von Wilderman (aka Chopper), winning the FHM Knysna Lagoon Challenge 2011 main 16 km race in a fast time of 1 hour and 6 minutes.

The first lady home was Kerry Louw, while Gary Atkinson was the first master paddler.
Steph le Roux from Plettenberg Bay finished first amongst the veterans.

J. Zeelie was the first under-16 boy to finish, while the first under-16 girl was Knysna’s own Michaela Beers.
In the K2 category Aaron van Schaik and Alan Mills took the honours in the male category, with Scott Johnson and Tracey van Greunen winning the mixed category.

Winners of the various categories in the 6km Fun race were:
K1 - Mark Jucker.
K2 - Wayne Craig and Cameron Webster.
Under-14 boy - Alan Houston.
Under-16 boy - Damian Jacobs.
Under-16 girl - Sarah-Jean Goldschagg.
Stand-up paddle - Tony Cook.

Guppie race
In the category for 5 - 7-year-old boysNathan Potgieter (7) came first, and Daneel van Wyk (9) was the winner in the category for 8 - 12-year-old boys. In the girls’ categories, the winners were Michaela Cross (12) and Jayde Stubbs (8).
All participants were treated to a burger and a cooldrink on completion of the race and several lucky draw prizes were handed out during the prize-giving event.

Knysna Canoe Club
All interested parties are are invited to join the paddlers at the Knysna Yacht Club on Tuesdays at 17:30 for time trials, as well as during their regular training sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings.
Jeanette Walder offers coaching for new and experienced paddlers on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For further information concerning the Knysna Canoe Club and participation in any of its events or training, paddlers are invited to call Trevor Niksch on 083 653 5185 or email: trevor@avdesign.co.za.


This year saw 179 paddlers enter the FHM Knysna Lagoon Challenge canoe race.

ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD REPORTER