Roodeplaat Dam Hosts Fierce Canoe Sprint Showdown

The 2025 South African Canoe Sprint Championships occurred from April 4 to 6 at Roodeplaat Dam in Pretoria, attracting elite paddlers from across the nation. This event was crucial for athletes looking to qualify for the upcoming Junior, U23, and Senior World Championships in Montemor-o-Velho, Portugal, set for July 23–27.

Competitions spanned distances of 200m, 500m, 1000m, and 5000m, with the 500m and 1000m races being Olympic-standard events. Local athletes from the Academy of Canoe Development (ACD), including coach and Olympian Esti Olivier, delivered standout performances. Notably, U14 paddler Juanne Ericksen secured third place in her individual category.

The championships served as a critical selection platform for South Africa’s national teams, with performances influencing team composition for international competitions.

Planet Canoe and Rekord