Legendary adventurer
Riaan Manser to tackle Windhoek Berg River canoe marathon.
Paarl – When organisers of the Windhoek Berg River Canoe
marathon that starts in Paarl on Wednesday publish their list of
entries, much of the talk will centre on the inclusion of a Berg
novice, but one of Africa’s most celebrated adventurers- Riaan
Manser.
Manser was catapulted to global fame after his epic bicycle
journey around Africa in 2006, which he followed in 2009 with an
equally tough solo kayaking expedition around Madagascar, a
5000km paddle that took eleven months to complete.
No-one will dispute Manser’s tenacity and ability to endure
hardship, but the popular Betties Bay resident could not resist
the opportunity to take on a canoeing race widely regarded as the
toughest river marathon around, covering 228km over four tough
days through the middle of the Western Cape winter.
“I crave adventure,” says Manser. “This is one humungous
challenge for me because I am basically a novice, and I know that
what awaits me next week will be a massive, massive challenge.”
Manser has been fortunate to have a number of experienced Berg
paddlers take him under their wing, including Herbert Conradie,
the chairman of the Paarl Canoe Club and the likes of hardened
river racer Daantjie Malan.
“The paddling community in the Cape has been so unbelievably
supportive and helpful,” says Manser. “They know what I massive
challenge I am facing, and most of them think I am mad, but they
have been so helpful.”
Armed with a stable K1 provided by the race sponsors Windhoek,
Manser completed his first river race on the weekend, and was
stunned by the technical difficulty of the thick trees blocks
that line the route.
“Gee I swam a lot!” said Manser. “I couldn’t believe how
difficult it was trying to get through those trees on the river.
I think I came second to last on the race, but I was learning all
the time. Every time I get into the boat it is a big learning
curve.”
“River racing is so totally different to kayaking on the sea,” he
added. “The obstacles on the river like the trees and rocks make
it a totally new challenge for me as a paddler.”
“I know I can manage the pain and suffering that will be involved
– I guess that is one of my talents. I am not bringing any ego
baggage into the race, and I will probably spend quite a bit of
timer with the sweeps at the back of the race,” said Manser.
That solitary paddle will probably suit Manser. “I’m a solo
adventurer, and what worries me the most is being part of a bunch
of thirty paddlers racing to get through a tiny bottleneck in the
river
“It’s the 49th edition of the Windhoek Berg, and it is a
privilege to be involved. I’m not too sure what my schedule will
be like next year but I would love to be part of the 50th edition
of the Berg. But right now I just have to cut my teeth on the
race next week,” he said.
Manser can be contacted for telephonic interview through his
personal assistant Shea Lister on 0722367408
The
Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon takes place for 14 to 17 July,
and will be preceded by a time trials for 200 invited athletes on
Tuesday 13 July. More information can be found at
www.windhoekberg.co.za
ENDS
