ERK hosts successful open day  

Lebohang Pita
The East Rand Kayaking Club (ERK) hosted its annual open day at Homestead Dam on January 25 to set the tone for an exciting season ahead.
The event brought together kayaking enthusiasts, newcomers and seasoned paddlers for a morning filled with learning, fun and camaraderie.
The day kicked off with a warm welcome and introductions by chairperson Richard Tandy, who shared the club’s vision and goals for the year ahead.
This was followed by an engaging presentation from Bianca Gräbe, an instructor at Kayatrix, who highlighted the club’s entry-level classes.
Her talk inspired enthusiasm among those eager to embark on their kayaking journey, whether aiming for sprints, river races or marathons.
Grabe assured participants that with the right training, they could be race-ready in time for the upcoming Gauteng Canoe Union (GCU) Flatwater Marathon Series kicking-off in April.
Safety, always a top priority, was addressed by Chris de Bree from the canoe polo team, who delivered a thorough safety briefing to ensure everyone could enjoy the sport responsibly.
A standout moment of the day was an engaging hands-on technique session led by Dawie Gerber, where participants had the opportunity to refine their paddling skills.
Gerber shared practical, easy-to-follow tips on critical aspects such as proper seating posture, efficient stroke mechanics, bracing techniques for stability and optimal paddle positioning to maximize performance.
To further enhance understanding, a concise yet impactful demonstration on the ergo machine was included, providing a clear and visual representation of the techniques discussed.
This visual aid ensured that even beginners could grasp the fundamentals with ease, laying a robust foundation for future improvement and confidence on the water.
“It’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm and growing interest in our sport. We’re excited to welcome new members to the ERK family,” said Tandy