surfski

Surfski’s are sit on top kayaks designed to be used in the sea. Originally designed as lifesaving equipment to reach swimmers in distress quickly, the sport has progressed to the exciting sport it is now.

Surf ski is possibly one of the most exciting disciplines and sometimes requiring the most endurance.

Border canoe club hosts a number of internationally acclaimed events like the bi annual PE to EL surf ski challenge. An ultra distance event held over 4 days between Gqeberha (PE) and East London. Stayed by John Woods as a bet between him and a friend John Ball as to which was faster a surf ski paddler or a runner.

Another event, the Pete Marlin Memorial Surf ski Race, often held as a South African championships event, and a part of the world surfski league. This race was started to honour the late Pete Marlin, a member of BCC.

Other Disciplines

Sprints

Sprint paddling is all about speed, countless hours are spent not only training but also to make movements more efficient to enable the boat to move faster through the water.

River

River racing is a unique aspect to canoeing, it throws paddlers into a world where canoeing and adventure racing almost combine.

Marathon canoeing

Flatwater marathon racing is a highly tactical discipline that takes place in a lap format, with a portage at the end of every lap. The laps are typically about 4.8km and the portages are roughly 200m.

Guppies

Guppies are k1’s designed for children 12 years old or younger and have a big following in South Africa. These boats are raced at inter schools, inter club and interprovincial competitions in both the sprint and marathon categories.