Category: Uncategorised

Lekker Kayaks – Piper

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Since my first child was born 19 years ago, getting kids into paddling and designing kayaks for that purpose has been a real passion for me.

I believe that the vast majority of kids should start out paddling with sit-on-tops. As a result, I designed two kids sit-on-tops in the past. The first was the Fluid Vaya, back in 2005. The second was the Vagabond Kwando in 2018. My kids grew up paddling the Vaya first, and later switched to the Kwando when I started manufacturing that. These two models have been instrumental in teaching them paddling skills and nurturing a love for paddling and the outdoors. At the same time, the hands-on experience and feedback that I received from them, as well as other kids who used the same, helped me to come up with the ultimate kids design.

Now I bring to you the Piper. Based on what I’ve done before, but more refined and with past glitches fixed. I foresee the Piper becoming the go-to kayak for parents with young children.

Check out lekkerkayaks.com/piper for more info. First ones will be available in SA from Nov 2024, and in the USA from early 2025. Let me know if you want to preorder one!

Lekker Kayaks – Albatross

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I’m excited about every kayak I design. However, my excitement for the Albatross might be even more than usual, simply because this is what I got the most requests for from paddlers and commercial operators over the past two years, and I believe I’ve really nailed this design. I trust that this will become my most successful double-seater sit-on-top ever, which says a lot, given the legacy of the Fluid Synergy and Vagabond Mazowe.

Check it out at lekkerkayaks.com/albatross for more info. First ones will be available in SA from Nov 2024, and in the USA from early 2025. Let me know if you want to preorder one!

Lekker Kayaks – Gull

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I’m happy to announce the second new model in the Lekker lineup, the Gull.

The Gull is a true pocket rocket. At 425cm/14′ it is on the short side for a surfski, but it carries enough speed for experienced paddles to enjoy in rough conditions, while having all the stability that a beginner needs to get into surfski paddling. On top of that, it boasts hatches front and back, making it a double up as a touring kayak too.

Head over to www.lekkerkayaks.com/gull for more info. First ones will be available in SA from Nov 2024, and in the USA from early 2025. Let me know if you want to preorder one!

Unsung heroes

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Called ‘seconds’ or ‘shuttle bunnies’, these are the people that provide support for paddlers. Their role typically involves taking a vehicle to the take-out point of a trip, or in the case of river races, meeting their paddler/s at multiple points along the river to offer refreshments and spare parts. More often than not, though, their unofficial duties extend to that of being a cheerleader, cook, navigator, paramedic, psychologist, physiotherapist and emotional punch bag. The list of tasks is endless.

For these reasons, a more apt name for them would be ‘unsung heroes’. They are the true legends of the sport. Paddling can easily become a very selfish pursuit, and a very common manifestation of this is that paddlers take their seconds for granted. I mean, face it, why are they called ‘seconds’ in the first place? Second to what?

Heading for the Orange River
Heading for the Orange River

Our lives as paddlers would be quite miserable without sacrifices from shuttle bunnies. Here are some suggestions to keep the shuttle bunnies in your life on your side. Read More

Dusi River (including lower part of the Umgeni River)

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The 3-day Dusi Canoe Marathon is the most well known race in South Africa, and one of the biggest races in the world. The first race was held in 1951, with 8 men competing. The only paddler to finish the race was Ian Player, who took 6 days to do it. The whole trip was non-stop and unsupported, and the boats used were heavy and made of all kinds of materials but fibreglass. Ian Player subsequently wrote a book, Men, Rivers and Canoes, which gained publicity for the race. In 1956 it was decided to hold the race over 3 stages, which is the format still used today. Since then it has grown to a huge affair with big sponsors.

The race has attracted close to 2000 entries in the past few years, with participants competing in K1’s and K2’s, wildwater racers and even touring kayaks. The race is not only famous for its rapids but also its portages, some of them kilometres long over rugged terrain. Some of the portages are compulsory to miss out sections too hectic for a K1, while others are taken just because it is quicker than paddling around some huge bends in the river.

Although the race is called the Dusi, less than half of the route is on the Dusi River. The confluence with the Umgeni is soon after the start of the second day, after which the race continues on the Umgeni River down to the sea. The section of the Umgeni used in the race is also described here for ease of reference. The race takes one through the Valley of a Thousand Hills, a scenic, but warm and humid, area. Read More

Mpompomani to Goodenough’s Weir

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This a great day trip for competent K1-paddlers. The section is similar to 1-8 below Hella-Hella and should not be underestimated. It starts with long flat pools with small rapids scattered in-between. Be cautious when the river breaks up into channels, as one of the channels contains a bad rapid.

  • Ideal for: K1 and K2
  • Grade: 2 to 3
  • Length: 34km
  • Duration: 3 to 5 hours
  • Type: Pool-drop
  • Put-in: Mpompomani
  • Take-out: Goodenough’s Weir
  • Dam controlled: No
  • Permits: None

Read More