Preparation for Dusi in full swing
Paddlers across the country are getting in as much training as possible before the upcoming FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon.
With the infamous FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon scheduled for mid-February, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, through the Valley of 1 000 Hills, paddlers are enjoying the specific river races being hosted to accommodate their training.
With river levels rising thanks to great rainfall, and with the Vaal Barrage below the Vaal Dam releasing superb amounts of water, the race on January 14, was fast, exciting and exhilarating.
Starting at the Smilin’ Thru River holiday resort 7kms up-water from Parys, with a 3km portage around the weir on the entry to Parys, plus some 20km through the town to Hadeda Creek, with highly technical enjoyable rocky rapids similar to those found on the Umsindusi River, the race was perfect for the training paddlers.
The event was hosted by Malcolm Stothard of Set Kayaks/Paddles.
The top three finishers finished the tough race in preparation for the world’s toughest endurance canoe marathon, in times of 2:02; however, numerous paddlers from various clubs and areas in Gauteng participated in the race for training purposes.
Some were over 60 years of age, some were juniors, some were less fit and some who are planning to do their first Dusi as it is a bucket list item.
The first finisher from Victoria Lake Canoe Club (VLC) was Richard Cele, the club’s top paddler and coach in a time of 2:07.
He finished in fifth position overall.
Other VLC members were Mark Handley who finished first in the masters age category in 2:35, Anthony Welsh and Robert Hamer who finished in three hours and Bobby Damalis and Jaco Esterhuyse who finished in 3:31.
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