Sandton-based canoeing brothers look forward to the Dusi

Sandton-based brothers Luke and David Strachan enjoyed completing the two-day Klip River Race from 25 to 26 January in preparation for the upcoming Dusi Canoe Marathon.

The race took place from Daleside to Meyerton on the Klip River, south of Johannesburg. They covered a distance of 66km over two days with the paddlers required to run a few kilometres each day carrying their boats in line with the training required for the Dusi endurance event.

The pair, who are members of the local canoe club based at Emmarentia Dam, completed the event in 04:46:00 over the two days. The pair were the sixth senior age category boat to finish.

Commenting on their performance, Luke said, “It went well despite a swim at the finish rapid. It was more of a practice for the Dusi as David only started paddling in October last year so he is still learning the ropes.”

The Dusi Canoe Marathon takes place from Pietermaritzburg to Durban annually and is known as the world’s toughest canoe endurance event. It is 120km over three days and includes running with a boat over hills and through the bush as well as paddling through major rapids and exciting white water technical challenges. The Dusi is set to take place from 27 to 29 February.

While Luke has completed three Dusi’s during his time schooling at Michaelhouse in KwaZulu-Natal, this is David’s first attempt at the epic canoe marathon.

The brothers are not setting big goals for the race but just aiming to finish in good time.

Other than the Klip River Race, the pair have done a few informal trips to the river and in December they completed the FLCC Klip Dusi Training Race. They also plan to do the DRAK Challenge in Underberg and maintain their fitness by running a few times each week.

Related articles:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/154508/sandton-residents-paddle-to-glory/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/142283/sandton-paddlers-take-on-eurosteelorsandton-paddlers-made-of-steel/