Novice to dare Dusi
EMMARENTIA – New canoeists qualifies for the world’s toughest canoe race.
Local canoeists will kick off the new year with serious training in the six weeks left before the world’s toughest endurance canoeing event, the Dusi Canoe Marathon, which takes place next month.
Justin Webster, a member of the Emmarentia-based Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, said he enjoyed his first-ever river race at the Belloord Florida Lake Canoe Club Dusi training event, held on the Klip River last month.
Despite his inexperience and the fast-flowing, rain-swollen river, Webster managed to finish the 35km race – which included three running portages – in 4:26. He modestly admitted that he was probably stone last but had a great time, nonetheless.
Jennie Dallas, the Gauteng Canoe Union spokesperson, congratulated him on his achievement, as it was a difficult race with tricky rapids. According to Dallas, for a first-time river race canoeist to manage on his own without a partner and to finish within the qualifying time limit was quite an achievement.
“Webster obviously has natural ability and talent; he’s a natural sportsman and not afraid of the challenges.
“We look forward to his next challenge, the ultimate challenge – the Dusi,” she said.
The Dusi race is held between Pietermaritzburg and Durban each year. It covers 120km of the Msunduzi River.
According to Wikipedia, the 2013 race attracted approximately 10 000 people, and the numbers are expected to double for this year’s event.
Details: Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, 011 486 0979
