Paddling is a HUGE component of this race. Days 2 and 3 are dominated by this discipline.
With three of us in Joburg/Pretoria (Lisa, Lauren and Christiaan) and Garth in East London, we've often needed a 4th for paddle sessions. We have been so fortunate to have Cheryl Luppnow (pictured above with Christiaan) and Steve Smith (not yet photographed) join us for numerous sessions. Today we went for distance and duration at Homestead Lake in Benoni. It is scenic and much bigger than Emmarentia Dam, where we usually paddle.
Spot the difference... the two dams viewed from the same altitude. Yes, we get dizzy in Emmies.
Homestead Lake, Benoni 
Emmarentia Dam, Emmarentia (central Joburg)On the paddle training side of things... how do you prepare for >100km paddling (split into 30km and 80km-odd distances)?
For the past two months we've been paddling once, twice or three times a week, depending on our availability. Christiaan, Lisa and Lobby have also had two sessions with paddling coach Russell Willis, which has made a huge difference. We've been focusing on a technique specifically for paddling consistently for a long duration. We're feeling better, stronger and faster. We have an indoor session with Russell on Tuesday evening and then our last paddle will probably be on Thursday evening.
Garth lives at the coast; he goes out regularly on his surfski.
Lisa and Lauren did around 20km on Homestead today - and they're very pleased that they felt comfortable throughout the session! Cheryl and Christiaan got on the water a bit later. They covered around 12km and were looking smooth and strong.
The race provides boats (37kg sea kayaks with sails, seats and backrests!) and PFDs. They also provide paddles but we've chosen to take our own.
Cheryl & Steve, thank you for always being so willing to paddle with us - even at short notice! You have both been invaluable.
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