The mere mention of the River Kwai conjures images of adventure, thanks to novels, films, and the iconic tune Bridge on the River Kwai. — Photos: The Route 97 and KL Tan
The mere mention of the River Kwai conjures images of adventure, thanks to novels, films, and the iconic tune Bridge on the River Kwai.
For a group of Malaysian paddlers, it was more than just a name: it was a thrilling reality.
They joined The Route 97, an annual paddling tournament on the Kwai near Kanchanaburi, about 130km from Bangkok, late last month.
The tournament also has categories for kayakers and even super fast dragon boaters.
The nine Penang team members of The Route 97 posing for a wefie taken by Nicole Koh.
The event drew competitors from around the globe, offering a unique blend of camaraderie and competition.
“We met incredibly skilled paddlers from all over the world,” said KL Tan, 52, a Penangite who took part with eight friends.
“As recreational enthusiasts, we loved the speed but these international competitors took it to another level.”
Tan said she was amazed to see them using paddle boards that were longer and even narrower, giving them more speed but requiring fast reflexes on the water.
Penang participant Soo How Nyiau heading to the riverbank with a paddleboard he made himself, weighing 9.5kg and measuring 4.3m.
The Penang group, accustomed to sea paddling, faced a new challenge on the jungle river.
A pre-race downpour transformed the 10m-wide river into a turbulent 30m expanse.
“We’d never seen such relentless rain,” Tan recalled.
“Floating chalets were breaking loose from the banks.
“One was caught in a rope but the current was too strong. With a loud snap, the chalet was swept away.”
A paddler ringing a brass bell after completing the route – a rite completed by every paddler at the end of the journey.
The initial 106km race was cut to 34km due to safety concerns. Even then, the river’s unpredictable nature posed hurdles.
“Areas downriver were so flooded that River Kwai stopped flowing!” Tan recalled.
She was told that while they were up in the hills, the river – which merges with other tributaries to become the great Mekong River in the plains – had broken its banks and flooded the flatlands.
“Without a current, we paddled with little momentum to build on,” she said.
Penang participant Anson Kiek paddling along River Kwai.
“It was like paddling in a lake.”
This forced all paddlers to exert maximum effort and strain every sinew to go the distance.Despite the challenges, the Penang team achieved remarkable results. Several members made the Top 55 out of 200 competitors.
Kuala Lumpur also had cause for celebration, with Alyaa Ahmad Rafizi Hariz claiming silver in the Inhuman Under-18 women’s category.
She also secured sixth place in the world paddleboarding rankings for ultra distances, a historic first for Malaysia.
Her sisters, Safiyyah and Zinedinne, won bronze medals in their respective categories.
Tan paddling in the rain with Sai Yok Waterfall tumbling behind her.
“Participating in an international tournament was an eye-opener,” said Tan.
“We are recreational paddlers. We love exploring the sights and sounds on the water while staying fit, so paddling with serious players from around the world taught us so much,” said Tan.
In Penang, she said there were about 50 paddlers, of whom only 15 to 20 were active.
To share their passion, the Penang SUP Community is a valuable resource for local enthusiasts.
