Words: Don Wewege│Photos: Ronelda Orpwood and Travis Wilkinson
The past few months have been very busy on the slalom front. Plans are underway for the construction of a permanent course on the Umkomaas River in KwaZulu-Natal, preparations for the 2014 SA Canoe Slalom Open are running smoothly, and our current National Junior Champion, Brandon Orpwood, took bronze at the African Championships!
Photo credit: Ronelda Orpwood
The past few months have been very busy on the slalom front. Plans are underway for the construction of a permanent course on the Umkomaas River in KwaZulu-Natal, preparations for the 2014 SA Canoe Slalom Open are running smoothly, and our current National Junior Champion, Brandon Orpwood, took bronze at the African Championships!
Brandon’s successes in Kenya
Brandon Orpwood was the only competitor from South Africa to participate in the 2013 African Canoe Slalom Championships, held from 20 to 23October2013, on the Sagana River in Kenya. As the current National Junior Champion, he was a definite medal contender in the Junior Category. However, he almost did not make it when he couldn’t get his kayak on the plane to Kenya. Fortunately, the International Canoe Federation development coaches were on hand to help him find the necessary equipment, as well as provide some coaching.
The course was not very big or technical, but it did require a clear plan of action. Brandon performed really well in the heats, placing second overall and first in the Juniors going into the finals. In first place was the current African Champion and London Olympian, JohnnyAkinyemi from Nigeria, who was looking strong on the water.
Starting in the reverse order of their finishing position in the heats, Brandon was to go off second last. Jean-Pierre Bourhis, from Senegal, put down a storming run to take an early lead. Brandon came close to taking the lead from Bourhis, but a few touches placed him in second. Only Akinyemi was left to prove his worth. Akinyemi powered down the course to take the win and his second African Championship title. Brandon finished third overall and second in the Juniors, continuing South Africa’s great run in the African Championships with a podium position in every single championship. Brandon is only 16 and the future looks very bright for this talented, young athlete.
Photo credit: Travis Wilkinson
Preparations for the SA Canoe Slalom Open 2014
Now into its second year, the 2014 SA Canoe Slalom Open promises to bring yet again the best paddlers from around the world to the Ash River in the small town of Bethlehem, in the eastern Free State. The event will be held on
11 and 12 January 2014.
Funding has been secured thanks to the Dihlabeng Municipality’s continued support of Slalom South Africa and this event. Water levels are expected to remain at about 20 m3.s-1 for the entire event, as the river is fed by the Lesotho Highlands Water Transfer Scheme. Entry will be free and accommodation available at special prices from Graceland Country Lodge, located just 3 km from the course. Equipment can be booked for those who do not have their own. But book early to avoid disappointment!
Growing slalom
Slalom SA is mostly self-sufficient and we are in desperate need of financial assistance. If there are any companies or persons that would like to assist in the development of slalom in southern Africa and be associated with a sport that is truly dynamic, to please contact Don Wewege.
Full event details can be found on Slalom SA’s Facebook page www.facebook.com\SlalomSA.
For more information on the event or slalom in general, contact Don Wewege on
