KAROO SPORT NEWS - Four paddlers from Hofmeyr and Cradock, who took part in the annual Freedom Day Paddle event in Cape Town, say the rough conditions renewed their love for the Karoo and its dry conditions. The event started at Green Point's Oceana Power Boat Club and paddlers completed the 27 km around Robben Island and back to the club.

James Jordaan, Wicus Schoeman, Herman Marais and Michael Rice were amongst the 410 paddlers in 258 canoes who had to face tough weather conditions. "Huge waves on the return trip from Robben Island took every inch of strength," says Jordaan.

"I have never in my whole life been so glad to set foot on Mother Earth again," says Jordaan, a highly experienced canoeist and owner of Brak River River Rafting Adventures between Hofmeyr and Steynsburg. "The red soil of my farm in Hofmeyr is extra beautiful after the huge waves, extreme winds, excruciating temperatures and dangerous terrain us paddlers faced!"

Hank McGregor and Josh Fenn won the race after a rain-delayed start, beating the defending champion, Andy Birkett, paddling with Uli Hart this year.

The ladies race was won by Michelle Burn and Saskia Hockley from Durban, with Melanie van Niekerk and Scheepers Schoem the winning mixed pair.

Stormy weather over Green Point to Robben Island made this year's paddle an extremely challenging race.

Huge waves took a lot of strength from all the paddlers.

James Jordaan, Herman Marais, Michael Rice and Wicus Schoeman travelled from Hofmeyr and Cradock for the paddle.

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