1 February 2023
Michaelhouse canoeists have consistently proven themselves to be among South Africa’s best in recent years and there was more evidence of this in the 2023 Drak Challenge, which was paddled over two stages and 63 kilometres on 28 and 29 January.
Up against many of the country’s leading paddlers, the 12-strong Michaelhouse team shone in the crystal-clear waters of the uMzimkhulu River, navigating the technical rapids to produce top finishes in both the under-18 and under-16 age groups.
Rob Butcher was the top Michaelhouse paddler in the under-18 age group, coming home in fourth place. Further top 10 places were achieved by Stuart Neilson (6th) and Lucien Baldry (9th).
Meanwhile, at under-16 level, Craig Cribbins crossed the finishing line in seventh place, followed by Jess Webber in eighth.
A number of recent top paddlers from Michaelhouse also shone, with Sam Butcher capturing fifth place overall, and second in the under-23 category. Matthew Millward was 13th overall, and eighth among under-23s, while Ross Leslie took 15th overall, and was ninth in the under-23 category.
Head of Life Sciences at Michaelhouse and Housemaster of Ralfe, Paul Snyman, teamed up with Luca Kritzinger in a K2. They came home in 160th place.
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