The governing body of canoe racing in South Africa is CSA who have a system in place for the grading of all races and paddler proficiencies. Races are rated from flatwater C grade to extreme A+ rivers and new paddlers have to move up through their proficiency grades to be able to compete. Our safety officer is Greg Chauncey who can be contacted on 083 632 6459.

The Knysna Canoe Club section and other Garden Route clubs run a number of fun C grade races throughout the year and all are welcome to enter. The exciting Brak and Little Fish River races in the Eastern Cape are also well worth travelling to and are aimed at introducing new paddlers to the sport.

Knysna Canoe Club holds a well-attended time trial every Tuesday evening come rain or shine. The course alternates between a four lap 11 km race down to the railway bridge and a five lap 9km course through the Quays. Most time trials include sponsored lucky draw prizes. Anyone is welcome to join in regardless of fitness level or expertise and it is not compulsory to complete the full distance. Times are recorded by our longstanding timekeeper Nick Ocker. Organiser Norman Frost can be contacted on 082 557 6470.

Anyone wishing to join in an informal training session at 5pm on Thursdays or early Saturday mornings can phone club captain Trevor Niksch on 083 653 5185.

If you want to start playing the fast and fun sport of canoe polo you can contact Nelson Das Fontes on 072 277 7664.

If you prefer the ocean, Alastair Fraser on 083 292 9047 can be called for info and help on surf ski paddling.

For new canoes, paddles, splash covers, repairs and expert advice call Albert Wasserman of Knysna Racing on 044 382 6220

Canoe Committee