What started off as a hobby for a Worcester local has turned into a sport he has set his sights on excelling in.
Gideon Siecker (27) tapped into boat racing – better known as pencil duck racing – as a recreational activity with a friend who lives just outside the town. Little did he know that their fun races would turn into competitive ones.
Pencil duck racing is boat racing on water. The boats are usually small; 4,2 m long. There are three classes one can participate in namely standard, blue print class and the modified class.
Siecker races in the standard class.
He said he started with the activity five years ago and it has been three years since he started racing competitively. “Who knew we would be here today?” he asked.
One could easily put Siecker’s love for water down to his being part of the family plumbing business, but his passion is almost lifelong.
In the three years he has been racing he has fared really well and has been growing exponentially.
He recently took part in the national competition which was held in Cape St Francis on 19 and 20 March and placed second and third for surfing and the long haul.
“I couldn’t believe it! When anyone participates in competitive sports they do so with the intention to win. Getting podium places in both my races is a big achievement for me.”
The win was also special because he was able to beat people who live near the beach and are able to practise every day. “I have to make use of weekends to be able to get some practise.”
Siecker added that, leading up to the competition, he was confident he would do much better than in the previous years because he had been doing well in his club races.
“This sport is also quite expensive; although I usually practise on Brandvlei Dam, I have to drive out to Struisbaai when there are big tournaments coming up.”
Siecker is currently preparing for another national competition, and is hoping to better the previous results.
“I am hoping for a good race.”
