If ever there was a family in which there was no doubt that watersports runs through their veins it’s the McGregors from KwaZulu-Natal.
Any half-awake SA sports aficionado will have heard the name of the legendary Hank McGregor. If one had to mention all his exploits locally and globally, there would be insufficient space on a newspaper page.
Earlier in July McGregor, at the age of 47, posted an incredible 14th Berg River Canoe Marathon victory.
Longevity is clearly his second name but already his passion and paddling prowess are starting to filter through his family’s fortunes.
On Saturday, no fewer than three McGregors lined up for the second leg of the Siyaphambili Surfski Series off the KZN coast. “Siyaphambili” is Zulu for “we are moving forward”. So too the McGregors.
Bar youngest son Max, 6, the family were moving forward in style.
It was mom Pippa who was first woman overall in the 12km course version of the event.
Up ahead though was a blend of wisdom and youth making a splash as Hank teamed up with young Thorsten to win the overall title on the day — a fitting 11th birthday surprise after the youngster’s celebration earlier in the week.
Pippa could bring a third victory home for SA when she takes part with fellow KZN paddler Saskia Hockly in the doubles race at the ICF Canoe Marathon World championships in Hungary early in September.
Papa Hank is a happy man.
“I’m stoked to have won a 14th Berg title from 17 starts and get nearly 50 stage wins over the years. I’m not sure why I’m still winning at my age but I guess I just enjoy it and am passionate about paddling as a sport.
“About Saturday’s race, my son was keen to paddle with me even though I thought it might be a bit long for him, but seeing he’d just had his 11th birthday we decided to do it.
“The wind was blowing hard and it was a tough day, but the youngster hung in there and we got a small gap on some of my Euro Steel Sport mates and held on for the win. Thorsten was a bit worried about the run-up on the beach and carrying the ski so I told him we had to work hard to get a gap on the water.”
A special feeling indeed.
“I’m just happy to get the win with him. Who knows where he’ll go from here, whether it be as a paddler or not but it’s nice for him to start the winning streak early, whether it’s running or swimming or any other sport it’s just nice for the family.”
As for Pippa, who only started paddling after the birth of her two sons, proud doesn’t begin to describe this mom of 40.
Now part of the Euro Steel Sport team with her hubby, she says: “It was just so awesome to see him always wanting to hop in the boat with his dad and to be involved, and now he’s dipping his own toes into the water … a very proud moment, even though it wasn’t easy for him to line up among a bunch of adults.”
Paddling is an integral part of the family’s lives and she freely admits it’s not easy juggling school duties, work deadlines, training and travelling, “but paddling is a great way to connect as a family. I can’t deny that [services such as] Checkers Sixty60 have helped with all the juggling”.
“The boys have always looked up to Hank and he’s really helped give both of them so much awareness of the ocean.
“He’s also always showed me that it’s just about showing up and making time, however little.”
She’s always felt included by Hank in the paddling game, having “been on the river bank so, so many times and we’ve done two Dusi marathons and a Cape Point Challenge together.
“As for me getting into paddling, it was just a case of monkey-see-monkey-do and I guess a process of osmosis. He challenged me and got me on the water and I’ve managed to win a few things myself.
“I’ve never been to Hungary, so am very excited to go there with Saskia, who already has so many medals under her belt.”
And what does the latest arrival to the McGregor-winning moments have to say about his achievements?
Says a proud Thorsten: “Saturday’s race was so much fun.
“I was a bit nervous in the beginning because we were racing a bunch of adults. It was quite hard.… I pushed quite a lot and then we won the race and I enjoyed it so much.
“My favourite thing about surf skiing is catching the waves and getting runs out at sea. I also enjoy fishing and it’s so cool seeing the dolphins [and sometimes sharks] when I’m out with my dad,” says the Umhlali Preparatory School pupil.
Watersports competitors beware … the McGregors are gaining momentum.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.