Canoeists enjoy the Duzi Jozi Jol at Emmarentia Dam

Joburgers know how to have fun while canoeing, as was seen at the Duzi Jozi Jol at Emmarentia Dam on 4 February.

Dabulamanzi Canoe Club hosted the event as preparation for the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon on 15 to 17 February, and it attracted 100 of Gauteng’s most avid canoeists.

The main race took the same format as the Dusi in that canoeists paddled, ran, and then paddled again.

Canoeists first paddled 9km, then went to shore and carried their canoes for 3,8km, before paddling another 6km to the finish. The race was about 18km in total.

An 8km social race was also held for less-serious paddlers and an even shorter race was held for youngsters.

“It has been a big success and a lot of fun,” said the club’s chairperson, Wayne Jacobs.

“We had ribs and prego rolls sponsored, so everyone had a free bite and enjoyed watching the canoeing from the clubhouse.”

Jacobs drew attention to Loveday Zondi, who became the first black person to reach the Dusi podium in 2005, and his canoeing partner Thando Ngamlana. Together they won the Duzi Jozi Jol in 01:27:21, and stand as real contenders for the Dusi.

Piers Cruickshanks and Zonele Nzuza finished a mere two seconds later, and will also be a formidable threat.

Holly Spencer and Daniella Afonso won the women’s section in 01:58:00.

In the singles category, Alex Roberts was the first man, finishing in 01:39:00, and Sonja Bohnsack was the first woman in 02:17:00.

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