Stewarts set sights on Dusi success

As many crews start their final preparations for the 2018 FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon, taking place from February 15 to 17, the father-and-son pair of Michael and Liam Stewart from Lakefield will be hoping to replicate their impressive top 50 performance in 2016.

For father Michael, 2017 ended on a tough note after he tore his calf muscle on the final portage of the men’s 45 to 49 K1 (single boat) showdown at the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Marathon Masters World Cup in Pietermaritzburg.

The 47-year-old was pushing for a bronze medal until disaster struck and finished sixth overall.

Liam (18) will be taking on the FNB Dusi for the third time following a 45th with his father on debut in 2016 and then a K1 debut in 2017.

The experience of 21 Dusis has meant that Michael is in the process of being forced to steer the boat against his will.

“At the Fish I threw Liam into the front of the boat, but he is adamant that I drive at Dusi,” Michael said.

“If we qualify for A-Batch that will mean that I have qualified for A-Batch 20 times in a row.

“Liam says that that is too much pressure for him as we only have one more chance to qualify.

“So, we’ve got to do well at the two-day Klip race at the end of January, otherwise we are going to be in trouble,” he chuckled.

There are many family combinations that take on the Dusi, and for the Michael there is no better feeling than finishing the three-day adventure with his son.

“You cannot describe the feeling of getting to Blue Lagoon with your son,” he said.

“I have had the privilege of having some really great partners over the years, but when Liam and I crossed the line together in 2016 I was doubly proud.

“There was an incredible sense of accomplishment that we had got through three gruelling days of paddling,” the East Rand Kayak Club member added.

Liam’s paddling career began at the Fish River Canoe Marathon when he was 15, and Michael and his wife were happy to see his interest in the sport grow organically.

“We never put Liam under any pressure to take up paddling, and when he was about 13 he told me that he wanted to paddle the Fish.

“He’s now done five Fish and he’s only 18 years old.

“I still have the upper hand over him, but I reckon halfway through this year he’ll be putting me under some serious pressure,” Michael concluded.

More information on the Dusi can be found at www.dusi.co.za

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