Although the ERK Dusi training race took place early in January before some companies and schools re-opened, the popular and enjoyable race at Homestead Dam attracted a good field of over 80 canoeists, mostly those striving to build up stamina and fitness for the world’s toughest endurance event in February, the infamous Dusi canoe race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
The race provided top quality canoeing all weather tops to all finishers, as well as much appreciated meals and drinks afterwards, which were thoroughly enjoyed! East Rand Kayak club are extremely grateful to the Ekurhuleni City Council Department of Sports, who supports various athletic codes throughout the area, helping to develop sport in different arenas.
The top winners of the race who are likely to be among the top Gauteng finishers at the Dusi event next month are achievers as a result of community /youth development programmes hosted by canoe clubs throughout South Africa.
Sowetan Loveday Zondi won the race in 1:36, while Shaun Maphanga from Florida Lake Canoe Club finished fourth after the u.23 Sowetan youth, to win the Sub-veteran podium prize.
The 22km race took place on a fine day with sufficient breeze and overcast skies for the paddlers to enjoy the hard slog, which included two portages of 2km each on the side of the dam, carrying their boats, in the Dusi tradition. The training of running with one’s boat, and find a comfortable way to manage, as well as practising smooth take-outs and put-ins, provide an essential part of the preparation for the Dusi, while the necessary fitness and endurance training and Gauteng Canoe Union calendar has provided a double-header weekend races throughout January to assist the paddlers with their preparation!
Morgan Ziervogel who has recently received her diploma as a personal trainer, has proved her canoeing, running, and athletic ability. Training for the Dusi is no mean feat and requires extensive commitment and hard work. Ziervogel was the only female K1 who participated in the tough challenging first Dusi training race in Gauteng for 2015, and held her own while the men sorted out the boys in the group. Ziervogel, a member of the Johannesburg Canoe Club based at Wemmer Pan and who lives in Alberton, finished the race in just over two hours, as the 37th finisher, and first and only female!
Gavin Steyl was the club’s first finisher at the race in 23rd place.
