Dusi training kicks off the New Year with pace
With the world’s toughest endurance canoeing race scheduled for mid-February, the Gauteng paddlers wasted no time kicking off their training for the New Year with an 18km Dusi training race, recently, at Homestead Dam, in Benoni.
The race, hosted by Ekurhuleni Kayak Club (ERK). also provided a seeding opportunity for a good start batch at the Dusi.
Following the heatwave that kicked off 2016, the more than 70 paddlers who participated in the race enjoyed the nippy chill in the early morning on the dam.
The race included 2 x 1km portage sections where paddlers practice getting out their boats quickly and smoothly to run with their boats, and ensure a smooth hiccough free re-entry to the water, as this is where they likely to lose time and places on the Dusi river, where there are numerous places on the river which are unpassable.
The winning teams were Alex Roberts from Emmarentia Dam, partnered with Phineas Zulu from Soweto as this year’s Dusi will be a K2 event; most competitive paddlers are doubling up to take on the challenge and the pair finished in one hour, 18 minutes.
Seven seconds later, Florida Lake’s team of Shaun Maphanga and Melusi Nxumalo crossed the finish line, while Victoria Lake’s Richard Cele and Thomas Ngidi were split seconds behind them to ensure a tight finish.
ERK paddler from Boksburg, Donovan Alho, who will be safely partnered up with experienced Vincent Buttrick for his first Dusi experience, finished in one hour, 33 minutes.
A number of first time Dusi paddlers used the opportunity to train in order to be well prepared for the treacherous river, especially with low water levels expected.
Since this is a K2 year, some of the experienced members are doubling up with the novices to guide them through their first experience in the Valley of 1 000 hills next month. – @SabeloBoksburg
