Darryn and K2 partner finish gruelling Dusi
Daryn Koertzen from Krugersdorp and partner were among the top 100 finishers out of more than 2 000 competitors at this year's 74th Dusi.
The 74th Dusi Canoe River Marathon recently took place and Daryn Koertzen from Krugersdorp was among 2 000 participants who took on the challenge.
• Also read: Daryn paddles to 49th in SA
The race takes place along the Msunduzi and Mgeni Rivers over a total distance of 120km over three days. The race attracts thousands each year making it the biggest canoeing event on the African continent.
According to Gauteng Canoe Union spokesperson Jennie Dallas, the tradition of Dusi goes back to the 1960s when Ian Player (golfing legend Gary Player’s brother) arranged a group to paddle and carry boats from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
“It took them weeks as there was no dam for a water release so they carried them a long way often, and their boats were not slimline and repairable as they were made of wood and canvas. As a result, the tradition of the Dusi is that the paddlers do have to take boats out of the water in those areas, and carry them through the rural areas over land, to put back into the water some distance later on several occasions each day a truly physical challenge which requires lots of training and preparation to be fit for this endurance event,” Jennie explained.
Daryn, a highly experienced paddler, has been active in the sport since a young boy and enjoyed the race as usual. He partnered with Kevin Hunt in a K2 (double kayak) and the pair placed as 14th best in the veteran age category and 53rd in the K2 event in a time of 11 hours and 53 minutes over the three days.
Jennie added the water level was medium to low compared to the 2023 flood conditions and tricky while day three had a water release as the dam was overflowing so the paddle into blue lagoon and Durban beachfront was tough, while the rapid known as Little John was renamed this race to Big John for good reason.
