Apr 11 2011
X-Fest 2011
Induna X Fest 2011
The skies opened their tears of joy on the 2011 Induna X-fest 26 March at Hazyview. Competitors in the running and cycling events had not only the course to conquer but also the elements of rain from above and mud from below. 50mm of rain crashed down on Hazyview 2 hours before the athletes were let loose, and everybody knew it would be tough going. The kayakers were in heaven as the river rose to perfect levels with interesting washing machines to recycle some competitors to the delight of spectators and the M-Net TV crew.
The mountain bikers headed out first with an early 7:30 start. The 40km riders had a tough technical course with the mud worsening as the front riders ripped up the course for the backmarkers. Induna Adventures never disappoints in single track and amazing scenery and that’s what mountain biking is all about- fun in the outdoors.
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The Duathlon started off with the mountain biker leg first. They returned to the transition area at the start venue with the earth painted all over their bodies. They then had the privilege of dumping their dirty and clogged up mountain bikes and shoes, and slipping on a fresh pair of trail running shoes to complete the last part of their event- the trail running.
The trail running had an 8:00 start and was joined later with the duathlon athletes on the same course. The first half was on the absolute breathtaking Matumi hiking route next to the Mac-Mac River which finished off with a fast run and fairly flat plantation road towards the wooden bridge, crossing the Sabie and Sabaan River into the venue. The Mac-Mac hiking route had plenty of roots, rocks, mud pools and low hanging branches for the runners to avoid, while being spoiled by the view of the pristine riverine scenery and natural biodiversity.
All athletes were greeted at the finish venue by a welcoming crowed. The massive Do It Now magazine blimp at the finish line, waited for athletes, as well as a cup of Enduren to replenish the lost energy on the challenging and muddy course. The prize giving was dominated by First Ascent who made sure the deserving walked away with a smile.
The white water kayakers had the fortune of waiting for the rains to disappear for their 10:00 start time. They exchanged their raincoats for sunscreen as they made their way up the river to the start of their, what ended up to be, a very interesting battle to the end.
As the Sabie River cuts its way through the Sabie Valley it drops from 1100m above sea level to a mere 520m above sea level in only 30 km. In the town Sabie, at the top of the escarpment, the Sabie River is a gentle stream where children go tubing on weekends. But as the river works its way down the valley towards the Kruger National Park and the Lowveld it not only becomes the natural habitat for hippos and crocodiles but the river grows in statue and temperament storming over massive waterfalls and often spectacular rapids. Once a year a few brave souls take part in a pilgrimage in search of these rapids, not only to endure them but to actually race down them in the annual Induna X-fest.
Walking up to the top was the only chance they had to scout the rapids and plan their lines, before the start of the competition. The first 2 stretches of rapids were introduced as individual time trails to get a leader board on paper. The first stretch ended at “Jeff’s rapid” (a notorious rapid, with a massive hole at the bottom with the tendency to dish out hidings to the shameful and brave alike.) Jeff was probably the first in line years ago. True to its history the timekeepers saw the seconds ticking by as the massive hole pulled kayakers back by the collar, slapped them in the face before spitting them out for the finish line.
The second time trial was held in a rapid called “Lock stock and two smoking barrels”. A narrow creek rapid with a 1m lateral drop as an entry, a powerful eddy (still standing or up-moving water) on the right that throws you off course and off balance and two holes (washing machines) ready to devour the smallest of mistakes.
To thicken the plot, the next race, kayakers had to race 2 by 2 in an event called dual eliminator, whereby the looser falls out. And not just from point A to B in your mamma’s swimming pool. No, no, “Lock stock and two smoking barrel” was the playground for the dual eliminator. The drawing was made up with fastest against slowest, thus ensuring a higher spot on the leader board increased your chances of going to the finals, if you wanted… because the finals was a time trial over Siphon water Fall!
Back at the smoking guns the competition was heating up. Even the biggest of mates had nothing to say to each other before the start gun crackled the sky. With each elimination race there was no certainty. Right up to the finish line, the leader changed hands so easily that the timekeepers had to assume nothing. Only a finger print concealed you a place in the final but only if you had the guts to face Siphon falls. The dual eliminator kept the whole race exciting and nail biting for competitors as well as spectators. 5 kayakers went through to the last and deciding race- a time trial over Siphon falls.
The finals started with a 1.5 m sea launch (pushing yourself off dry rock into the river) into a 3.5 m pool before the whole river drops down a 4 m waterfall with a hole at the bottom with the words “AVOID, AVOID!” written all over it. Then it is a 50 m dash to the finish line with a minor rapid somewhere in between. Now, how do you “avoid” something when the whole river drops 4 m into the mouth of exactly that which you want to “avoid”? The answer lies deep in the heart of every adventurer- a bit of skill, a bit of craziness and a bit of luck. The skill comes in the form of a “boof stroke”. A “boof stroke” is a stroke that launches your kayak in the air so that you land further than where gravity wants you to land. Something like a ramp without a launch pad? White water creek kayak are designed with these specifications in mind. Thanks to Fluid kayaks, a SA based kayak factory that leads the world in trendy and effective designs, we can’t blame our boats for not delivering the launch we need. For some obscure reason Siphon waterfall claimed no victims and saw Daniel Barnard walking away with the cash and the honours. International kayaker Shane Raw claimed second with Deon Breytenbach filling the podium. They were all blessed with First Ascent apparel. Two lucky ones walked away with Fluid kayak vouchers, while the rest have to wait for next year to claim their fame.
The X-fest will be showcased on “The Ultimate Rush on SS1 28 April 2011 at 19:30
If this article made you bubble from the inside, contact White Water Training for an introduction to kayaking and gear. And don’t tell your mom.
Thanks to the gracious hands of Fluid kayaks, First Ascent, Do It Know magazine, Umbhaba Lodge, Whitewater training and Enduren energy drinks. The 2011 Induna X-fest was a joll!
Till next year… Bon Voyage!