Florida paddlers conquer the mighty Dusi

Every February, between 900 and 1 600 paddlers from across the globe make their way to Pietermaritzburg with the hopes of taming the mighty Msunduzi River.

This year’s Dusi Marathon took place from February 15–17, and two paddlers from Florida Lake Canoe Club (FLCC) were lined up at the start of the challenge to participate in the three-day 120km event – with their respective partners.

Sean Jones from Florida, and his long-time friend and Dusi partner Kevin Atkinson from KZN finished the tough three days as follows:

• Day one – four hours and 23 minutes
• Day two – five hours and two
• Day three – three hours 49 minutes

The pair’s total race time was 13 hours 14 minutes, and they managed to finish the race in 159th place for the K2 (double kayak), and an overall ninth place in the sub-Grand Master Age Group.

Florida Lake paddler Moshe Ngomani partnered with Renier Kruger in what would have been their third Dusi, but some protest action in the local community resulted in them not being able to make it on time for the second day, and they could not obtain an official race finish.

Jennie Dallas, the Gauteng Canoe Union and FLCC media liaison and public relations officer said, “The pair had a successful and enjoyable first day. They believed they did very well for their first time together on the Dusi. On day two, they were among a few paddlers who arrived late at the start and could not complete the day’s leg. They were able to [unofficially] participate in day three’s leg but without a result.”

Renier concluded, “Although we experienced some challenges and could not finish the race, we enjoyed it tremendously!”