Freestyle Nationals '14 makes waves in Parys | DO IT NOW Adventure Sport Lifestyle Magazine

7 November 2014

ARTICLE

Words: Ashlee Cramb ǀ Terence Vrugtman, Adventure Life.co.za

Water Sports

Once a year, the cosy and hushed little town of Parys plays host to a variety of activities that appeal to anyone with a taste for the great outdoors. Spectators and athletes swarm from across the country to be a part of the local buzz that is the Dome Festival, which treats its guests to a glimpse into the world of archery, trail running, box carts, mountain biking, skydiving and even rock climbing.

Spectators waiting for the Pros to get started.

Dewet Michau in the finishing stages of a cart-wheel.

Dewet Michau in the finishing stages of a cart-wheel.

Held last weekend, I came ready to catch all the action that is synonymous with the Kayak Rodeo, better known as the Freestyle Nationals. The event took place on the Vaal River, on what is referred to as a 'continuous wave', and this is where the National Freestyle Kayaking Champion - a highly sought-after title - is crowned amidst much pomp and ceremony.

The preparation

Basically, kayakers face upstream and surf their boats along a wave that is constantly forming due to the rocks and pockets found along the river bed. To ensure there is enough water, a large volume of water is released from further upstream the night before, so that it can make its way downstream prior to the competition kicking off. Although there was a delay with the water release this year, the organisers made a plan and the water-hungry paddlers were soon back in the waves.

The format

The competition was divided into two options. Beginners could either choose to surf in the developing and imminent wave or those feeling brave could surf in the rougher wave that had formed in the hollow just 50 m away. Intermediates, Pros and Veterans, however, were not given the luxury of a decision.

For some, this sport may not seem too appealing, which is understandable when one considers the abuse received from homicidal waves and being tossed around and smacked by the occasional lurking rock. But for the paddlers who dare to take on the river, rashies, PFDs, bear claws and booties are all part of their arsenal to make it through.

Each division consists of three heats of 45 seconds each, which doesn't give you much time to really show off your capabilities. With this in mind, kayakers are expected to pull off their top tricks and showcase as much of their skill as possible right from the start.

The start

Despite mammoth clouds weighing in and the flickering of rain on the water surface at the start of the competition, competitors armed with anything from a Bazooka to a Nemesis, and one or two Spices, gathered at the banks of the river, ready and eager to prove their worth.

First up were the Beginners, who were either making their first or second debuts onto the freestyle stage, me included, and hoping our performance would be good enough to see us through to the end and keep our title dreams alive.

They were followed by the Intermediate and Junior Men. The Vets, having a bit more experience in the waves, were next and then it came to the part of the competition that everybody was waiting for … the no-holds-barred Open Men.

The Open Men, or Pros if you will, was the last division to wrap up the event. By this time, the wave had grown substantially and the gushing current resulted in rougher waves for the gents to fight through.

With names such as Shane Raw, Phillip Claassens and Luke Longridge in the hunt to stamp their dominance on the leader board, this category proved to be a showstopper.

With new boats and new faces making their way through the surf this year, I am excited to see this addictive sport slowly but surely making waves in the world of sport!