Biltong and the ultimate family experience

FOR Durban North families, the Evered-Hall’s and the Biljoen’s, the Unlimited Dusi was more than just a race. It was about the ultimate family experience.

The Evered-Hall (comprised of dad, Mark, and son, Josh) and Biljoen family (comprised of Wayne and daughter, Kelly) both from the Crusaders Canoe Club settled on a cache of biltong as part of a bet between the families over who would be the first to cross the finish line in the paddling race.

The kg went the way of the Evered-Hall’s but for Josh, the victory was made even sweeter by improving on their best time.

“It’s such a special feeling paddling with my dad. His experience really helped me get through the tougher parts of the race and it was absolutely awesome to finish in a personal best time (11:24) as well,” Josh said.

His dad, Mark, a veteran of 20 Dusi’s said he couldn’t think of completing a special milestone with a better partner. “Josh was incredible, it didn’t feel like I was paddling with a 16-year-old. It’s a dream come true for Josh and I,” Mark said.

Echoing Mark’s sentiments, Wayne Biljoen, competing in his seventh Dusi, said the race was more of an adventure than a competition.

“Kelly was a real soldier on the Dusi, that was the highlight for me. We did play it safe but we both fed off each other’s motivation. She kept saying ‘let’s go dad’,” Wayne said.

While there was no biltong won for the Biljoen’s, Kelly said she didn’t mind because she got chocolate and discussions for the next Dusi prize have already surfaced.

“Both Josh and I have decided on a car for next year’s prize,” she joked.