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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
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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 >>>
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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 >>>
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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.
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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.
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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.
     
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