Canoeists prepare for Dusi
The training race was held on December 9 and was hosted by Florida lake canoe club to end the 2018 canoeing season.
Two canoeists from Bedfordview and Edenvale competed in a training race for the upcoming FNB Dusi River Race.
The training race was held on December 9 and was hosted by Florida Lake Canoe Club to end the 2018 canoeing season.
Ryan Booysen, from Bedfordview and a member of the Victoria Lake Canoe Club, finished the race in two hours 56 minutes.
He was the first sub veteran to complete the 32km race which included portions where participants had to get off the water and carry their canoes for a few kilometres.
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Mark Handley, from Edenvale and a member of the Victoria Lake Canoe Club, finished the race in two hours 52 minutes, as the first master age category winner.
The Dusi is scheduled to take place over February 14, 15 and 16 and will see participants canoe 120km from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
Gauteng Canoe Union spokesperson, Jennie Dallas, said the race was first held in 1951 and organised by Doctor Ian Player.
She said during that period, there were no dams to provide water release, and the canoes used were made with wood and canvas weighing 32 kilograms.
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“Participants had to get out and carry their boats on numerous occasions for long distances in the Valley of 1000 Hills, and hence the tradition of portaging still exists.”
