Local paddler tackles the Dusi
VLC’s Wayne Saunders and his rowing partner Robert Hamer took on the great FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon.
Despite dire predictions of low water levels due to drought conditions and expectations of the toughest Dusi in 60 years, the heavens opened and it rained throughout the three days of the world’s toughest canoe endurance marathon, the 2016 FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon.
The 120km race, which took place over three days between Pietermartizburg and Durban, saw paddlers holding their own as they braved the rough water, highly challenging rapids and portages up and down muddy slopes and steep hills.
A total of 594 boats finished the race this year.
Wayne Saunders from Victoria Lake Canoe Club (VLC), based at Germiston Lake, and his partner Robert Hamer, from Bedfordview, enjoyed a smooth run, finishing in 13 hours 59 minutes over the three days, as the 356th boat to finish.
It was Hamer’s first ever Dusi and he found it extremely exhilarating.
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