2015 Dusi challenge crosses the finish line
WELTEVREDEN PARK — Two residents from the West Rand brave the rough Dusi challenge.
Two residents from the West Rand took part in the Dusi Challenge from 19 to 21 February.
Shaun Maphanga from Florida Lake Canoe Club, finished third as the sub-veteran podium position holder in the gruelling challenge from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. Despite the wet conditions in recent weeks, storage dams levels remained below expected levels.
Maphanga was in the top 50 overall position at 37th, and as the 35th K1 (single canoe) in a time of 09:14 over the three days, although on Day 1 he was edging into the top 20. He lost ground after the heavy running day, and a few swims on the bigger rapids of Day 2.
Day 1 – saw the competitors running through the centre of Pietermaritzburg on the low level Mngeni River to end in the Dusi Valley of 1000 Hills.
Day 2- The Msundusi and Mngeni rives meet although there was too much water coming from the Mngeni. The rapids were unforgiving and the fast flowing current swerved around boulders at top speeds requiring quick reflexes to avoid boat traps.
The third and final day from Inanda to Durban was the shortest section under 40kms and tougher than usual. There was no release and resistance on the approaches to the Blue Lagoon in Durban against the oncoming tide.
Weltevreden Park resident, Jerome Boulle, finished the race as the 535th paddler and the 327th single canoe, in a time of 13:23.
