Sports play a big role in our community, and a husband-and-wife duo has pioneered a series of kids’ canoe races to help local kids find adventure.
Meet Rachel and Kyle Friedenstein, a dedicated couple who saw an opportunity to continue growing a sport in the community. When the pandemic struck in 2020 and school sports were cancelled, a few friends asked if Kyle could coach their children in paddling on their farm in Curry’s Post. Word spread, and with borrowed ‘guppy’ boats, a small group of kids began lessons. Recognising the potential, Midlands Paddling School was born and relocated to Midmar Dam, making training more accessible. With the support of the Midmar Canoe Club and dedicated coaches, the school quickly flourished.
Midlands Paddling School offers tailored classes. Young Guppies (6-7-years-old) start with the basics, while 8-12-year-olds choose from beginner, intermediate, or performance classes, with the latter for those race training. Teens (13-18-years-old) have beginner and intermediate options to develop skills without the pressure of competition.
For competitive juniors, the Junior Squad prepares paddlers for K1 racing, national teams, and international events. The programme includes strength and conditioning, in-person and independent training, and high-performance camps covering technique, mental prep, and recovery. The school also offers private lessons and coaching for local high school teams. A popular addition is the ladies’ class on Friday mornings, allowing moms to join the fun.
At the KZN Sprint Champs in March, Kaden Hogarty (Maritzburg College), who started paddling at age nine, won both U14 races, while Craig Cribbins (Michaelhouse) won both U18 K1 races. Both athletes follow the Junior Squad programme, demonstrating dedication and progress.
A major milestone was the launch of the KZN Guppy League, a series of eight adventurous canoe races on rivers like the Umzimkulu, Lions, Umngeni, and Tugela. This initiative, possibly the first of its kind in South Africa, allowed kids to experience formal river racing and develop essential paddling skills. How thrilling!
Looking ahead, Midlands Paddling School aims to build a clear development pathway from beginner level to Olympic and World Championship competition. Kyle’s recent experiences racing for South Africa at the Sprint World Cup in Hungary and Sprint World Championships in Uzbekistan have reinforced the need to refine technical skills and coaching methods.
In June, South Africa’s top paddlers (Kyle being one of them) will compete in a sprint regatta in Auronzo, Italy, and Midlands Paddling School hopes to send junior athletes for their first taste of international racing. Meanwhile, guppy paddlers are preparing for the KZN Marathon Champs and the Tugela Guppy League race. Paddling is evolving in South Africa, with renewed interest in Sprint Kayaking and the introduction of Kayak Cross in schools, thanks to role model Hamish Lovemore who won the B-final at the Paris Olympics.
For parents wanting to get their kids into the sport, Rachel wants to remind you that every child develops at their own pace. While kids can start paddling at six, the ideal age is 7-10, with an emphasis on enjoyment, participation, and skill-building. Early specialisation isn’t necessary as varied movement supports healthy growth. Rachel also emphasises that parents should consider paddling as well—it’s a fantastic family sport!
The school’s ultimate goal is to guide young paddlers to build resilience, good sportsmanship, and most importantly, a lifelong passion for the sport. For the team, it has been inspiring to see just how much paddling means to so many children. Midlands Paddling School continues to shape young paddlers and hopes to raise the next generation of champions.
Coaches
Kyle:
- Level 2 coach (Selected to study Level 3 in September 2025)
- Diploma in Athlete Development, Bachelor of Social Sciences Degree majoring in psychology.
- 6th position at the Sprint World Cup in the 5000m in 2024
- Chairman of Schools Canoeing in KZN
Rachel:
- ICF Level 1 coach
- Qualified Montessori teacher
- Brings creativity to the team!
Bongani:
- Placed seventh in the 2025 Dusi Canoe Marathon
- International Canoe Federation (ICF) Level 1 coach
- Great with the kids—they love him!
Lorna:
- Completed her first Dusi at just 13 with her father
- Represented SA five times at the Canoe Polo World Championships
- An internationally recognised sprint official
- ICF Level 2 coach
Facebook: Midlands Paddling School