Are you sick of motorboat wake at Roodeplaat Dam or Victoria Lake? And of all the traffic violations?

It could have been a calm and still day as forecasted but instead it has turned into coastal rowing with wash across both sides of your boat as motorboats cruise around without considering the rowers they are affecting. Or maybe you are focused intently on your piece but forced to stop as you are called to move away from your lane as someone is coaching - Not the boat that was in the way! Or maybe it's because someone is whizzing down the lane in the wrong direction because the coaches have set them up to use all lanes for timed pieces, just for themselves.

We all pay fees to have access to the relevant water bodies. There are rules in place to keep it safe, accessible and organised for all. It is really frustrating when rowers do not follow the rules and make it a horrible row for others. We all know how far it is to go out for a row as well. Should we not try to be more considerate so that everyone can have a good training session?!

We are petitioning to see how many rowers are being affected and if there is something that can be done about it. Perhaps motorboat training for the drivers so they understand how to move about the water body? Or investing in a different motorboat design that would greatly reduce wake? All that really needs to change is having stern boards on both sides of the motor.. And - 100% - a mandatory training session on traffic rules by all offenders.

The results of the petition will be sent on to RowSA, GRA, and GSRF.