Locals gear up for next year’s Dusi

Water the colour of coffee, the rich smell of wet mud, navigating through rocks and narrow paths, in singles and doubles, in and out of the water with the paddlers running with the boats on their shoulders – that is the adrenaline and anguish of a canoe marathon.

The season to qualify for the Dusi Canoe Marathon, held over three days between Pietermaritzburg and Durban and which runs along the Umsunduzi and Umgeni Rivers over 120km, is open.

Won by the legendary Andy Birkett and Christie MacKenzie this year, provincial paddlers, including those from East Rand Kayaking (ERK), are gearing up for the 2024 edition.

According to the Gauteng Canoe Union PRO, Jennie Dallas, the Dabulamanzi and Johannesburg Canoe Clubs will host the ADG Vaal River Marathon on the Vaal River on November 18 and 19, which is a seeding event for the Dusi.

Dallas said this race would help the province’s established and novice paddlers book their ticket to SA’s top canoe marathon.

She said the 37km course for the provincial race was mapped on September 30 by veteran paddlers, including Benonians Johan and Bianca Grabe from ERK.

Race director Elandrie Zietman explained that the race, one of the country’s oldest canoe marathons, promises to be an unforgettable experience for the participants and spectators.

“The race offers a unique opportunity to traverse the scenic beauty of the Vaal River over a challenging two-day course. Paddlers from all corners of South Africa will gather to take part in this official Dusi Canoe Marathon seeding race.

“The event’s rich history and breath-taking course make it a must-attend for seasoned paddlers and newcomers alike,” she said.

Zietsman said they expect to see some of SA’s leading paddlers, like previous winner Clint Cook and world marathon championships veteran Wayne Jacobs from Dabulamanzi Canoe Club in Emmarentia.

“We are thrilled to be involved in this year’s event, and the energy levels are building rapidly. We have many exciting additions to bring to the paddlers this year, making it a unique paddling experience. We welcome everyone to join in the action in what will be something rather special.”

She said the paddlers should be ready to tackle technical sections, especially if the water level in the river is low.
The Dusi will take place in February.

Also Read: Local paddler achieves PB at the Dusi

Also Read: ERK paddlers break Dusi record