Dabulamanzi Canoe Club canoeists perform well at the Dusi Canoe Marathon

Local canoeists did the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club proud at the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon.

While the water level was low on the Dusi River in KwaZulu-Natal in February, spirits were high and about 50 canoeists made their way from the Emmarentia-based club.

First from the club to finish was Piers Cruickshanks, author of the book Confluence which has become the movie, Beyond the River.

He raced with Zonele Nzuza and together they finished 13th in 8:58:23 over the three days.

“I did not train hard, so I was not quite fit enough,” said Cruickshanks, who holds 10 gold, six silver and two bronze medals from his 18-year Dusi career. “Zonele is a nice guy so he might not say it but I was not nearly at his level. We would have done better if I was fitter.”

Cruickshanks explained that what keeps him coming back to the Dusi is the scenery and how it is a truly South African event because you paddle past cities, villages and also sections where there is nothing but you and nature.

Alistair Jackson and Robert Crichton were the first double for Dabs paddlers, finishing 29th in a time of 9:35:39.

Alex Roberts was the first Dabs canoeist to receive an age category podium position, as the second sub-veteran pair, partnering with Shaun Maphanga, to finish in 9:41:33.

Mark Garden and Kelvin Byres then did one better in the veteran category, winning it in 9:41:55. “We are normally rivals but we are in the same age category and both friendly people so this year we decided to team up,” said Garden.

They ended up winning the first gold medal between them in their two decades of racing the Dusi.

Holly Spencer and Daniela Afonso were the first K2 finishers from the club. They finished in a time of 12:46:59.

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