If you cannot see the images in this enewsletter please click here

Previous enewsletters:
Edition 1
Edition 2
Edition 3
Edition 4

Hi Paddler                                                                                      16 October 2009

The 28th Hansa Powerade Fish Canoe Marathon has exceeded all expectations and I would like to start off by thanking my committee, the volunteers, landowners and everyone involved in the organisation of this explosive 2009 “Fish”.

Len Jenkins has entrenched himself as the "King of the Fish" and his performance can only be described as remarkable! Congratulations must also go to Robyn Kime, the winner of the hotly contested Ladies category.

As organisers, we are particularly satisfied with what was achieved in all areas and the foundations have been laid for the big one in 2010. All indications are that the dates for 2010 are 1 & 2 October as this falls in the EC school holidays.

There are however burning issues that need urgent attention – for example head injuries at Toastrack Bridge; safety at Cradock Weir and the dense curtain of willow trees on Day 1. These will most certainly be attended to before next year.

The International Team performed remarkably well this year coming in 2nd, 5th and 8th in the men’s category and 2nd in the ladies category. We hope that this will encourage bigger international participation in the future and we will ensure that all future promotions will extend beyond our shores.

On the social scene, a 66% growth was experienced on sponsor products consumed. This can only be described as unbelievable! We feel this can be attributed to two factors: 1. the fact that paddlers enjoyed ownership of the event with free access to all activities of the Hansa Powerade Fish via the wristband concept and 2. of course the fantastic entertainment!

Finally, I sincerely thank you - the paddler - for supporting the 2009 Hansa Powerade Fish. We will continue to make our marathon a value-for-money event where the interests of the paddlers come first!


 
Louis Copeman

 FISH FANATIC SURVEY

We are passionate about listening to paddlers wants and needs and making changes wherever possible to reflect those requests where they represent the opinion of the majority of the paddling community. To assist us we have prepared a short questionnaire that will help us make next years race bigger and better!

Please take five minutes to fill in and send us your comments by completing the questionnaire here >>>

Have your say! Tell your story!
So how was your Fish? Please tell us your story by becoming a fan on our Facebook page (click on the button). Upload your photos and videos, tease your friends and stay in touch with the latest happenings.

The Hansa Powerade Fish is a race by the paddlers, for the paddlers. If you have a comment or something you need to get off your chest, drop us a line by clicking on the button > > >

Visit the website at www.fishmarathon.org.za for all the latest news, and the views of the paddlers on the Forum page

Records shattered

No less than 8 records were broken this year! Another hi-light of the 2009 Hansa Powerade Fish Marathon.

LEN JENKINS K1 SENIOR 4:51:16
ROBYN KIME K1 U21 LADIES 5:38:24
HANRé MAREE K1 U18 GIRLS 6:01:44
JENNA WARD K1 U16 GIRLS 6:06:45
GIEL VAN DEVENTER K1 GRAND MASTER 6:25:54
MANDY SIMPSON K1 SUB-MASTER LADIES 6:52:36
CHRIS VAN REENEN, ANNA ARWIDI & GERHARD MOOLMAN K3 MIXED 5:51:27
ANDRE POHL, HERMAN CHALUPSKY & MATTHEW BOUMAN K3 5:09:12

I would also like to make special mention of our local juniors who exceeded our expectations – Hanré coming 1st in the U18 Girls and breaking the record too and Kyle coming 2nd in U16 Boys and Ryan as 1st Local to cross the line. Well done to you all.
 

COLLETT WEIR CHUTE

The proposed Collett Weir Chute should be completed by 2010 hereby avoiding a second unnecessary portage after the dam wall. The details of this double chute have been discussed in detail in previous newsletters and now all that remains is the implementation of those plans. Keep your eye on our website from August next year for updates on this exciting addition to the Hansa Powerade Fish.
 

 
ON SAFETY & SECURITY

In spite of all our warnings, Toastrack Bridge claimed casualties again this year. This is not acceptable to us anymore and the problem has now persisted long enough and needs urgent attention. The bridge is in daily use therefore the structure cannot be tampered with, however, we will endeavour to lower the bottom of the river giving us more clearance which will greatly alleviate the problem.

The lifesavers performed their tasks exceptionally well and the additional lifesaving platform at Cradock Weir put them in the position to react immediately to anyone caught in the potent backwash. The Weir was extremely deep as a result of recent floods and this prevented us from placing the platform in the exact intended position, however, this will be addressed by 2010.

A lot of credit must go to the performance of the medical crew, Netcare 911, for the sterling work they did over the week-end.

We are committed to continue improving on the safety on the river and a report back meeting will be held with the relevant parties shortly. Again, we encourage paddlers to give us feed back on the good and the bad, via the Forum on our website so that we can address any matter.

The security was greatly expanded during this year’s race but we are acutely aware that there are still problems with regard to theft and other isolated incidents. Please note that although the committee, the security company and the SA Police force and their reservists do everything in their power to safeguard your belongings, the onus is still on you to assist us by keeping your valuables secure.
 

HEROISM AT THE FISH

Chris Walsh of the Umzinyathi Canoe Club, the organisers and sponsors of the Hansa Powerade Fish Canoe Marathon salute you for your unselfish action in rescuing a young lady paddler in trouble in the willows below Keith’s Flyover on Day 1.

"True heroism is... not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost but the urge to serve others at whatever cost."
- Ron Dicianni

TV BROADCASTS

Aquatic Fanatic on DSTV
Premier - Wednesday 28th October at 19h30 - Super Sport 5
All the broadcast times for the repeat showing are available here

Fish 'n Chips Guys n Girls - Aquatic Fanatic Nov 2009
Provisional transmission date is  Wednesdays 25 November. Watch the website for the final broadcast times of the premier and the numerous repeats.

ACTIONOGRAPHY RACE PHOTOS

Thanks to Actionography for providing all paddlers with free digital races image downloads of their 2009 Hansa Powerade Fish. To view these images click here >>>

 
MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

There are still a few 2009 race t-shirts available as well as some hoodies, caps, Fish rash vests and paddle shorts. We also have bargains on our old stock. See the website here for details or contact Niki on 082 772 5070 or copeman@iexchange.co.za

Postage via Speed Services is R55.

K4 FOR CANCER

The Hansa Powerade Fish Canoe Marathon was proud to give the K4 Team of Grant van Greune, Clive Goble, Jessica Goble and Minnaar Lyell the opportunity to raise funds for the Cradock branch of the Cancer Association.

The PINK K4 turned heads along the entire route and this was an extremely successful awareness campaign.

The grand sum of R50 000 was raised during the marathon and this awesome team has not stopped yet….you are always welcome to pledge to this fantastic cause!

Click here for their contact and banking details if you would like to contribute to their fundraising drive.

PERSONALISED HANSA CANS:

For all those paddlers that qualified for the personalised Hansa cans and did not collect them from prizegiving please make contact with Justin Huxter on 011 881 8476 or via email on Justin.Huxter@za.sabmiller.com.