Local paddlers have that Dusi fever
A strong contingent of local paddlers is flying the East Rand flag when they represent Ekurhuleni Kayak Club (ERK) at the 2016 FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon from today (Thursday, February 18) to Saturday, February 20.
The Dusi is the biggest canoeing event on the African continent and one of the world’s most popular river marathons, attracting between 1600 and 2000 paddlers each year.
The club’s top paddler, Mike Stewart, is the oldest participant in the “A” batch of Dusi this year.
Not only is it his 20th Dusi, but also he will be paddling the daunting race with his son Liam (16), a rising star in the paddling community.
He will be the youngest paddler in the “A” batch.
The older Stewart’s Dusi record is unmatched at ERK with four gold medals, 10 silver medals and six bronze medals to his name.
ERK also has two other crews in the “A” batch, namely Jarryd Breeds and Tommy Booth as well as Richard Tandy and his partner.
James Thompson is another true Dusi River man.
He has done 23 consecutive Dusis in a K1 (singles), this year being his 24th.
Clint Munro will be doing the race with his dad, Alan, who is 67 years old.
The latter finished his first ever Dusi last year, proving that you are never too old to complete.
Another veteran, Mike Howard, in his 70s, will be attempting his 34th Dusi.
The club also has two women competing this year, namely Jade Morshead and Michelle Duenet.
River conditions this year will be extremely tough due to the recent drought, and will take participants back to the old days when there were no dams and no water releases, making for hard adventure racing.
