Learning to understand the machine
My first race taught me how much the details mattered.
I arrived with an aluminium propeller, not knowing how much competitive setup could affect performance. Over time I learned to study the details — and how a boat responded to different water conditions.
In Cape Town I turned that passion into work, including inflatable boat retubing and trading racing equipment. The workshop became another classroom.
Six lessons from the boats and the workshop.
My first boat
An inflatable waiting at my father's shop for R5,000 — and the start of everything.
Equipment evolution
From an aluminium propeller on day one to studying propeller selection, engine setup and hull balance.
Inland vs ocean setup
Dams and rivers taught one lesson; the ocean demanded another — letting the boat ride the water instead of forcing it.
What I learned from retubing
Retubing inflatables and trading racing equipment in Cape Town made the workshop another classroom.
Preparation before an event
Crew weight distribution, setup and the details settled long before the start.
Maintenance and reliability
Every boat taught me about performance, reliability and preparation.
Boat profiles
Individual boat pages — model, engine, class, seasons and results — will be added once the details are confirmed.