Hoërskool Ooskus Gimnasium grade 11 pupil Ané de Kock made her school proud when she successfully competed in the National Inflatable Powerboat Competition held at the Gariep Dam, which took place from Thursday May 1 to Saturday May 3.
The three-day event included a two-day circuit and an 80km long-haul race, which tested the endurance and teamwork of the various participants. De Kock was assisted by her steer man, Chris van der Walt, and crossed the finish line with determination and big smiles.
“I was relieved to finish the race,” she said.
“After the 80km long haul, my body was sore and I couldn’t feel my arms and legs, but it was a good pain. It was a great feeling to know that we finished successfully.”
De Kock’s journey in inflatable powerboat racing began in 2022, inspired by her father, who raced in his youth and returned to the sport 18 years later.
“My father participated in inflatable powerboat racing when he was younger but stopped when my sister was born. We did our first race in Port Alfred in 2023. My father always tells us when we are scared before a race: ‘Just do it’
“He wanted us to experience something that he enjoyed a lot,” De Kock said.
Her role on the boat is to keep balance and ensure the vessel doesn’t flip, especially during tight buoy turns. She and Van der Walt, who is also her uncle, have built strong communication on the water.
“I think we understand and read each other’s minds when we are on the boat. He taps my leg to let me know where I should position myself and even grabs my foot on turns so, I don’t slide out,” she said.
Although her first nationals came with nerves, De Kock said this year she felt more prepared.
“The weather and the condition on the dam were challenging but still it was lots of fun. The cold and early mornings were a challenge — but we pushed through. The dam was like a surf on its own,” she laughed.
She credited her faith, family support and rigorous training for her mental and physical preparation. De Kock and her family have formed a supportive structure called Team Crazy Frog, made up of De Kock, her uncle, her father and sister. This allows them to encourage each other and work through any difficult situations.
The next national will be in September at Langebaan, which will be a surfing event that will also consist of circuit racing and a long haul.
