Fourways resident gets involved at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club

The time for training for the Dusi River Race has begun, and getting fit and ready is no exception for Fourways resident Dylan Browne.

He is a member of the Emmarentia-based Dabulamanzi Canoe Club and was introduced to canoeing many years ago by his father who is also a river paddler and member of the club. Browne, who is a student at Stellenbosch University, was in town to try his hand at the 8km Emmarentia Dam Dambusters social paddle that did not require running and carrying the boat.

Browne did not enjoy this experience alone and was accompanied by his girlfriend Savanna Putergill who had not been in a double kayak before. With it being her first canoeing race, it was a new experience for her and a great day on the river with other competitive paddlers.

The Dusi has taken place since the 1960s between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. According to Gauteng Canoe Union’s media liaison, Jennie Dallas, the race requires extensive endurance challenge reserves.
“There are numerous areas where paddlers have to get out the river and run carrying their boat for a few kilometres before going back into the river,” she said.
“Although there are numerous who walk, plod, or stop and snack on these portages, not everybody is fast or competitive, some do it for the recreation, fitness, scenery or just for the experience.”

Share your thoughts on the Fourways Review Facebook page.
Related articles:

Joburg Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis looks forward to the first edition of SA20

Fourways basketball player brings home the bronze in recent youth games in Malawi