Butch ready for tough Dusi
At almost 70, Butch Grobbelaar of Randfontein will take on the Dusi for the first time.
When Butch Grobbelaar turns 70 In 2020, he will have completed all the items on his bucket list.
Butch, who was only introduced to canoeing last year, said he will take on the challenging FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon from 14 to 16 February for the first time. The Randfontein resident said he first had to gain confidence and made sure that he had the capabilities to take on such a challenge.
He joined the Florida Lake Canoe Club (FLCC) in Roodepoort. “The club welcomed us as new paddlers who were interested in learning to paddle properly. They provided us with a canoe, a life jacket, a paddle and qualified coaches to teach us,” Butch said.
He dedicated his time to extra training on Sunday afternoons as he wanted to improve his canoeing skills. “Firstly, you need to get your balance and rowing up to standard. Then you need to pass your proficiency tests comprising theory and practice. You must also compete in a particular number of races to qualify to enter the Dusi,” Butch said.
He said although he is determined to complete the race, canoeing is by far the most physically challenging sport he has ever done.
“I need to improve my knowledge of the rivers and experience in shooting rapids, but I would not have come this far if it were not for the Florida Lake Canoe Club, its members and the coaches for eagerly preparing me.
“Without their assistance, I most certainly would not have qualified. I would also like to thank my friend Hendrick, who did all the ground work and made sure that I qualified for this year’s Dusi,” Butch said.
Jennie Dallas, spokesperson for the Gauteng Canoe Union said: “Despite doubts as to whether he would be ready for the upcoming Dusi in less than six months, Butch managed to earn sufficient river points to receive A Grade status. It enabled him to enter the 120km race as a Great Grand Master (over the age of 65 years) competitor.”
Jennie said Butch achieved all this by participating in the Dusi training race organised by Florida Lake Canoe Club on 9 December 2018, which he finished in four hours and three minutes as the oldest finisher.
“The race distance on the river was some 32km with a couple of sections where they had to take the boat out of the water and run (or walk) carrying it for a few kilometres, as part of their training,” Jennie added.
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