Ask the paddlers why they come back year
after year and they will give you variations
on this answer, “There is guaranteed water so
there’s not much portaging and the rapids are
seriously challenging. Also, the town of Cradock
really opens up to us. Everyone is so kind.”
By Sunday evening Cradock is largely emptied
of snazzy vehicles and river-toned bodies.
The race makes a substantial contribution to
the town’s charities and business coffers, and
leaves everyone with a sweet aftertaste. For the
rest, all that remains of the two-day marathon
are the broken canoes and perfectly good
paddles that wash up along the river banks for
days after. ■
Map reference F5 see inside back coverFish River Marathon http://www.fishmarathon.org.zadustin theFishRiverCanoeClubstorehouse.
HighlightofDayTwois thespectacularly
scaryCradockWeirmannedbysquadronsof
lifesavers,andforverygoodreason.Under
theV-shapedweiris a wickedsomersaulting
tumbleofdangerouswater,andin frontarethe
lifesavers,muscularyoungmenona platform,
wholeapto therescueofpaddlersin distress.
Allthisheroismandfuncomesin a delightful
packagelessthanfivekilometresoutoftown.
Themostconstantsoundtrackis thatof
thehollowfibreglassthudsastheboatshit
thebottomoftheweir,oftenaccompaniedby
franticflailingto stayupright.Thenthecheers
orcommiseration.Spectatorssometimeshelp
outbywadingin andgrabbinga floating
paddle,oroffertoolsandadvicefora snapped
ruddercable.
Families bring laden picnic baskets and
settle in along the river banks. Students in
crazy costumes cheer on their racing favourites,
many of them in fancy dress as well. Last year
it was Cowboys and Indians. This year, it’s
Rugby World Cup.
Much of the social atmosphere is supplied
courtesy of purple-clad Rhodes students who
gather in a particular spot and, in Karoo terms,
kuier lekker. They give prizes for the best
costumes.
It’s all a happy symphony of locals, visitors,
lifesavers, river-lovers, students and farmers.
Father-and-son teams bond on the river, all-
girl squads, veterans and novices sharing the
waters. On Saturday, there is always a huge
party at the Cradock Sports Stadium, with
awards, a beer tent and good live music.CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A couple of daredevils
chug a beer each as they descend Cradock Weir. They
land perfectly. ● Sinclair Collett’s farm straddles the
formidable Soutpansdrift rapid, the nemesis of many
a boat and even some of his farm vehicles. ● The
bridge at Cradock Weir offers a splendid view of
the action and is where locals and out of towners
gather to watch and yell support. ● Cecilia the stuffed
crocodile has a moment of glory once a year during
the marathon.
http://www.countrylife.co.za 057 September 2019