Paddlers do preparation race for Dusi

Some East Rand Kayaking Club (ERK) members stepped up their preparations for the Euro Steel Dusi Canoe Marathon with the Dabulamanzi Dambusters race at Emmarentia Dam on January 14.

The event allowed the paddlers to test their fitness and readiness for the world’s toughest endurance race, taking place over 120km from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

“The red race course was an 8km paddle, and we also had a 3km boat race. Those races were followed by a 7km paddle, a Dusi preparation race,” said Jennie Dallas, the PRO of Gauteng Canoe Union (GCU).

While no championship was at stake, the paddlers left nothing to chance when they unleashed their competitiveness on the water, with the ERK’s Liam Stewart and his partner, Mark Garden, completing the 7km course in 01:34.

“Other races included the pink race, which provided a 3km run section, but the paddlers did not have to carry their boats. However, for those training for the Dusi, it was best to practice picking up, putting down and running with the boat.

“The yellow course race did not include a run at all, just a paddle, and the green course was for U12 juniors, who did a 4km welcome back race after the holidays,” added Dallas.

The Dusi Marathon is scheduled for February 15 to 17.

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