Upington – As one of the major lifelines that runs through South Africa the Orange River provides paddlers with some of the best river racing conditions in the country and the newly installed Orange Descent is set to give paddlers from far and wide an opportunity to take in the excitement and hospitality of the Northern Cape between 29-30 April.

The race will be run in the K2 category in 2016 and will cover 73km over the two days. Race organiser Waldo van der Linde believes that the race will offer the paddlers things that they would not get from other races in the country.

“This region of the Northern Cape has established itself as one of South Africa’s favourite adventure destinations,” Van der Linde said. “The Orange River offers one of the most memorable paddling experiences you can have and along with this the hospitality of the region is second to none!

“Off the river there are some incredible tourist attractions with the Augrabies Falls as well as the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park being major draw cards in the area, just to name a few,” he added.

In recent year’s paddlers have become familiar with the allure of racing on this section of the Orange River, filling a gap in the otherwise busy river marathon calendar.

The Orange Descent will take paddlers from Upington to Kakamas giving them the chance to enjoy all that the Northern Cape has on the river whilst making the most of what the province has to offer off the water.

“The stretch of river that the paddlers will be on is one of the best stretches of river to paddle on in the country with incredible rock gorges, some great rapids as well as a short 3km stretch along an irrigation canal to get back into the main river flow.

“The race will provide a great atmosphere with the traditional ‘potjie kos’ being offered at both of the official overnight stops whilst you enjoy some of the local wine and enjoy the photos and videos of the days racing,” an excited Van der Linde mentioned.

The race and its organisers will treat the paddlers to a unique experience once the race is finished.

“After two days of intense racing we are planning on providing everyone with a trip to the Augrabies Falls where they will be able to enjoy more of the local wine while taking in an incredible Northern Cape sunset over the views of the Augrabies and the canyons,” Van der Linde concluded.

For more information go to the website www.orangedescent.co.za to enter.