At Salt Kayaks, we’re incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of our clients.
This July, 18-year-old Neriyah Dill made waves at the 245km Berg River Canoe Marathon, securing an impressive second-place finish in the ladies race. We had the pleasure of interviewing Neriyah to learn more about her experience, motivation, and journey to success.
Powering through the first stage. Image supplied by Cape Town Sport Photography.
Interview with Neriyah Dill
1. How does it feel to have placed 2nd at the Berg River Canoe Marathon?
Absolutely awesome, I wasn’t expecting this at all when I first entered. When seeing the women's entries, I was hoping at best for a podium position, but my first goal remained making it across the finish line.
2. What motivated you to enter this challenging race?
I wanted to see what my body was capable of. I wasn’t sure I would be able to finish because of the distance. When you consider the fact that Stage 3 is 74km after already paddling 110km, it’s almost insane, but I wanted to give it a shot.
When Neriyah first started paddling, she always dreamt of doing the Dusi whilst her brother had always wanted to tackle the Berg. Two very different races, each with their own challenges.
So my brother did the Dusi in 2022 and he obviously had to hang his medal where I could see it every day. Since he's currently working abroad, I knew I had to try finish the Berg before him - which I can now happily say I’ve succeeded in.
Portage after Market Street Bridge. Image supplied by Cape Town Sport Photography.
3. What did your training look like leading up to it?
My training mostly consisted of long back-to-back paddles on Saturdays and Sundays. The first weeks sessions started around 2 hours and eventually lead up to 4 hours. We also completed regular hour-long sessions in the evenings throughout the week.
4. Does a particularly difficult moment stand out when you look back at the race?
Definitely the last 15km of Stage 1 as I hadn’t done my research properly. I mistakenly understood the first stage to be 54km when in fact it was 64km….
Stage 1 is from Market Street Bridge in Paarl to Zonquasdrift located 64km downstream. Paddlers know that when you pass under Hermon Bridge, there is still 17km to the end of the stage. The weather this year was particularly challenging with pouring rain and wind throughout the day.
When I got to Hermon, my watch read 48km. I was on my own and knew the last few kilometres would require suffering. Another difficult moment was in the last 20 km of Stage 3 where each 500m section felt the equivalent of 5km! Not to mention the 2 degree temperature and ice on the boats at the start of Stage 4.
Drie Heuwels Weir on Stage 2. Image supplied by Cape Town Sport Photography
5. Who has been your biggest inspiration or mentor in your canoeing journey?
My biggest inspiration would be my brother, Uriyel. Although he never took his paddling too seriously, he was very dedicated to the goals he set for himself. He would wake up every morning at 5am to start his day and run consistently in the evenings, mostly alone, although I would join him when I could….I always believed that if he could do it, so could I.
Sean Privett has also been a great mentor. He trains at the Stanford club with us and has completed the Berg 10 times as well as other crazy races like the ‘Race Across South Africa’ triathlon. Sean was the one who told me that I was ready to give the Berg a try and that I had to experience this special race myself. He gave me great advice leading up to the race and motivation throughout. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have done the Berg at all.
6. What advice would you give to other young athletes looking to compete in the Berg River Canoe Marathon?
Of course you'll suffer, everyone does, but it's not as gruelling as it's made out to be. It's just "vasbyt," as Sean told me: learning how to hang in there.
The race is a unique experience because it takes you through a multitude of moments. At one point there was a spotted eagle owl staring down at me. You suffer through the kilometres and feel like giving up, but you know you’ll make it, and you inevitably do. You meet people along the way and paddle along at the same pace. All in all, it's an experience to treasure.
As for the training, just make sure you're fit and don't forget the long weekend sessions. Take this on as a mountain to climb and enjoy the lovely view from the top.
7. Going forwards, do you have any goals in the canoeing world?
Hopefully doing the Drak Challenge one day and I would love to try out for the U23 World Marathon Champs if I get the time to train for it. Although I don't currently do mountain biking, I would also love to be able to ride the Cape Epic one day.
A Promising Future
Sponsored by Grootbos and only 18-years-old, Neriyah’s result is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with dedication, passion and commitment to one’s goals. Her achievement inspires us to keep innovating. Congratulations Neriyah on an exceptional race.
- The Salt Kayaks Team
Bunch finish at the end of the 76km third stage. Image supplied by Cape Town Sport Photography.
Thank you so much for the awesome boat! My Salt kayak made the race all the more better!