Gold on international waters
We are proud to celebrate our founding partner, Daantjie Malan, who teamed up with fellow South African paddler Simon Willmott to win masters doubles gold in La Vila Joiosa, Spain, on 10 October 2026.
Competing in the men’s SS2 Masters 130–139 category at the 2026 Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships event, the pair completed the 20 km course in 1 hour, 19 minutes and 20.19 seconds. They finished 2 minutes and 34.88 seconds ahead of the second-placed Australian crew.
SS2 is a double surfski, with both paddlers working together in one craft. The masters category is determined by their combined ages, making 130–139 the age band for the crew rather than an individual age category.
A lasting passion for paddling
For Daantjie, time on the water has long been part of life beyond the practice. Alongside his legal career and community involvement, he has continued to take on the challenges of river racing and ocean paddling.
Earlier in 2026, he won the 65–69 division at the Berg River Canoe Marathon and completed his 15th Berg. His result in Spain adds another memorable achievement to that sporting journey.
Daantjie founded the practice in January 1991. Today, as the firm celebrates this latest milestone with him, it is a pleasure to recognise the commitment and enthusiasm he brings to his life on the water.
Congratulations to Daantjie and Simon on their achievement, and on representing South Africa with pride.
Race reports and results
Official doubles results (PDF) · South African race report · Berg River report
