Durban North paddler, Tony Botes, ready for Dusi

A GOOD place to start when interviewing Durban North resident, Tony ‘Boats’ Botes is to ask what hasn’t he done. The Dusi Canoe Marathon veteran is aiming to complete his 35th race this year with Crusaders Paddling Club member, Lionel Gaze.

Botes completed his first Dusi in 1984 after a knee injury curtailed a promising footballing career.

“I played defender for Bush Bucks and a number of other teams and we tackled hard. After the knee injury, doctors said I could never run or play soccer again. Instead of giving up, I started paddling which strengthened my knee so much so that I was able to play out my football career fairly late on in the age scale and eventually began my love for paddling and the Dusi Canoe Marathon,” he said.

Speaking on his love for the Dusi, Botes said he draws inspiration from his fellow paddlers.

“My friends who are on the river every day give me that drive and inspire me to keep going. I’m fortunate and blessed to share the same river as various Dusi legends. The camaraderie of the Dusi is unrivaled and that adds to the passion. Another great legacy of the marathon is seeing so many young paddlers get involved in the race and start their own legacy on the uMngeni and uMsundusi rivers,” he said.

Botes added his approach to every Dusi is the same.

“It’s like I’m doing my first, the excitement is still there. I couldn’t pick out my best Dusi moment, they are all special,” he enthused.

Botes is hard to miss out on the uMngeni and uMsundusi rivers with his unmistakable feathered head dress and war paint which has earned him the nickname of the legendary Native American leader Hiawatha. They are also good luck charms.

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