Getting ready for the Dusi
PARKTOWN – Florida Lake Canoe Club hosted the final river race of 2015 in Gauteng, as a Dusi training race with paddlers practising their running, portaging stamina and endurance on a low-level Klip River from Daleside to Meyerton, on 29 November.
The 32km river race felt much longer as the low water levels required numerous portages where paddlers had to get out of the river and run past obstacles to continue their race. This acted as great endurance training for the world’s toughest canoe endurance event, the Dusi marathon which takes place in February 2016.
Despite the hot conditions and tough river sections, the fitter paddlers with good running skills enjoyed the challenge. Kia/Hyundai Fourways provided logistics and meals, and the Roodepoort Athletic Club ensured there were ice cold drinks on the long hot dusty portage sections.
Prizes and lucky draws included sponsorships from Tops Spar and Canoe Concepts, including lifejackets, boats and other superb prizes.
Claude Nish from Parktown and John Cunningham who are both members of the Emmarentia based canoe club, Dabulamanzi, have partnered up to train towards the Dusi event, successfully finishing the gruelling race in 03:08:00.
Details: Gauteng Canoe Union www.gcu.co.za
