Local paddlers do the Dusi
A contingent of paddlers from the Homestead Dam-based Ekurhuleni Kayak Club (ERK) made the trek to Pietermaritzburg for the 64th edition of the Dusi Canoe Marathon.
The gruelling, 120km adventure, which took place from Thursday, February 19, to Saturday, February 21, is not for the feint of heart and paddlers know they need to be fit to handle the challenges the race poses.
The dangers of the race were highlighted by the tragic drowning of a Durban dentist, on day two.
On a lighter note, ERK’s first K1 (singles) finisher was, as expected, sub-master Michael Stewart, who completed his 19th Dusi.
His overall time (over the three days) of nine hours, 58 minutes and 11.98 seconds gave him 79th position in the K1 category and second in the sub-masters.
“I had a decent race after a bit of a nightmare start over the first 4km,” Stewart told the City Times on Monday, February 23.
Tommy Booth was the next best finisher from ERK, taking 105th position in the K1 category, with an overall time of 10 hours, 20 minutes and 39.18 seconds.
Jarryd Breeds was third home for the Benoni-based club and placed 112th in the K1 category, with an overall time of 10 hours, 25 minutes and 3.55 seconds.
Richard Tandy was next, as the 131st K1 finisher and the 15th sub-veteran.
Alex Johnson and Miguel Simoes were the first K2 (doubles) finishers from the club, with an overall time of 13 hours, 26 minutes and 59.19 seconds.
The pair was followed by longtime K2 partners Allan Hayward (who has completed 22 Dusi races) and Mark Whittington (who has completed 16 Dusi events).
The pair completed their 10th Dusi as a K2 partnership and jokingly said that it’s their ”10-year anniversary and it’s worse than being married for 10 years”).
They have had many exciting and dangerous moments on the river together and, with their vast experience, they shoot a lot of the more difficult rapids, which are often boat breakers.
They have had their fair share of ups and downs, but have always made it to the finish line in one piece.
Their partnership works well, as Whittington is a daredevil and keeps the race exciting, while Hayward is level-headed and keeps the two of them alive.
Both paddlers love the adventure each year and enjoy the challenge of arriving at Blue Lagoon, in Durban, after three gruelling days on the river.
Frith Cooper completed her first Dusi, in a K2, with Johan Cronje.
“Overall, it looks like everybody enjoyed this year’s event,” added Stewart.
He reserved special mention for ERK paddler James Thompson, who completed his 23rd consecutive Dusi in a K1.
“It’s just a fantastic achievement from him,” said Stewart.
