Berg River Canoe Marathon
Well it seems as if the rain came pouring down at the right time!
Not just to rescue us from the severe drought but also to ease the minds of our paddling fanatics who religiously participate in the Berg River Canoe Marathon. This annual event is set to kick-off on the 11th July 2018 until the 14th July 2018. The race is staged over four days for approximately five hours each day. The paddlers commence from the Market Street Bridge in Paarl located in the Cape Winelands, paddling through various areas including the Swartland and ending at the Carinus Bridge in Velddrif which is situated on the West Coast.
If you didn’t know, this is one of the toughest renown events in the world alongside the Cape Argus Cycle Tour and the Two Oceans Marathon which essentially makes it a bucket list MUST do when you are in town. The paddling route consist of rocky narrow passages, logs and trees, and rough waters with many other obstacles which really tests the skills of the paddlers. Thus as a safe-guard, only the strong-willed, athletic and aquatics are encouraged to participate.
You can too enjoy some of the fun by following the paddlers (on land) and meeting up with them at the various spectator booths which will be situated at various break points during the course of the marathon. There are no costs implications for spectators to view the paddlers. The areas allocated to the spectators are suitable for picnics as well as putting tents or gazebos.
That’s not all, as part of the marathon, on the 15th July 2018 after the 240km race, paddlers as well as spectators can enjoy some ethnic west coast entertainment at the Berg River Winter Carnival at a cost of only R10 per person. Here you will find some storytelling by community members, music and a variety of food.
Be sure not to miss out on this adventure filled event by booking your transport early!
