Local pleased to complete Non-Stop Dusi
ROSEBANK – Vermaak said, “It was always my goal or dream to complete the Non-Stop Dusi as it is the ultimate test in paddling, running, endurance and fitness.”
Deon Vermaak, who works for Sparks Schools in Rosebank, took on the grueling 120km Non-Stop Dusi Challenge on 9 April.
The tough race built for hardy athletes takes paddlers on the entire Dusi route in one day instead of the usual three-day challenge.
Vermaak said, “It was always my goal or dream to complete the Non-Stop Dusi as it is the ultimate test in paddling, running, endurance and fitness.
“I realised that I needed a partner that had excellent knowledge of the river and contacted the Change a Life Foundation.”
The foundation introduced him to Siyanda Gwamanda, who is one of their team members and finished 28th overall in the three-day Dusi after being 7th and 9th at the close of the first two days. Gwamanda broke his boat 15km before the end and it cost him his gold medal.
“I was so taken aback by his willingness to assist me in reaching my goal that I decided to raise funds for the Change a Life Foundation to support Siyanda and the rest of the paddlers who are part of the foundation,” said Vermaak.
He added that he and Gwamanda got into the boat together for the first time the day before the race and were both extremely comfortable.
“We had the most amazing time together and paddled through all the challenging rapids and ran the 25km of portages really well. We had a small mishap at Island rapid about 15km from the end but nothing was going to stop us from finishing the race.”
The pair were also supported by a fantastic seconding team comprised of Vermaak’s wife Tamie and 2020 Dusi winner Khumbulani Nzimandi, who ensured that they ate and remained hydrated along the route.
“It was an absolute privilege to complete the race and I must say thank you to Martin Dreyer, founder of Change a Life, for allowing me this opportunity and also compliment him on the great work he does in the Valley. Both Siyanda and Khumbulani were absolute professionals.”
The pair completed the race at 11:49:00.
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