Camps Bay High School Grade 11 learners Ryley Smith and Jared Shrimpton brought home an impressive stack of medals from the South African National Canoe Sprints Championship!
Cape Town, South Africa (16 April 2025) — Two Camps Bay High School Grade 11 learners, Ryley Smith and Jared Shrimpton, recently made waves at the 2025 South African National Canoe Sprints Championship, where they brought home an impressive haul of medals across multiple events!
Held at Roodeplaat Dam, the pair competed together as part of a dynamic U18 K4 team which stormed to double Gold, winning both the 1000m and 200m events.
Ryley paddled in the driver position at the front of the boat and was responsible for steering and pacing (using a challenging T-bar system controlled by his toes) while Jared took the fourth seat, often considered the most demanding due to the turbulent water at the back, requiring strength and precision.
In addition to their shared success in the K4, both athletes stood out individually, too. Ryley added to his medal tally with a Gold in the K2 200m and a Bronze in the K2 1000m, alongside his K2 partner, Sam Mocke, and a Silver in the K1 500m.
Meanwhile, Jared delivered a strong solo performance in the U18 Men’s 5000m, earning a well-deserved Silver medal.
Ms. Busi Ngcwama, Head of Sport at Camps Bay High School, commended both paddlers:
“We are incredibly proud of Ryley and Jared. They are multi-talented athletes with incredible work ethic and focus. Their outstanding results on a national stage – both individually and as a team – reflect their dedication and passion for the sport. They truly embody the spirit of Camps Bay.”
In more good news from the school, surfer Ben Esterhuyse recently claimed a double podium position to surge to an impressive national ranking, in a feat that’s made his school (and South Africa) enormously proud.
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