Doggy paddle

Seven hardy Dolphin Coast residents make up the ranks of a paddling group that is as much a part of the landscape as the beach itself, and novices they are not.

The ‘Salty Dogs’ meet at sunrise for a paddle and a chin-wag three times a week and have covered many, many kilometres between them since the group was formed in the ’80s.

Ballito resident and Salty Dogs veteran, ‘GV’ Price, said the tranquility of paddling with friends as the sun is rising is essentially what it is all about for the guys, who are all passionate paddlers.

“We paddle on rivers, dams, estuaries, lagoons and in the sea – we are not too fussed where we paddle. As long as we exercise, we are happy,” said Price, who added that the camaraderie between the guys makes paddling all the more worthwhile.

The Salty Dogs have an incredible 137 Dusi Canoe Marathons between them, which equals a distance of more than 16 000 kilometres.

“Collectively, we are a pretty experienced group of paddlers, but our emphasis is on having fun and not necessarily winning medals,” said Price.

One Salty Dog with true veteran status is Mike Pengelly, who has individually completed an exhausting 30 Dusi Canoe Marathons as well as 20 gruelling Comrades Marathons.

As if that is not enough, Pengelly is also one of only two people to complete every single Midmar Mile open water swimming race since the event was launched in 1977.

Having successfully finished the race again earlier this month, Pengelly pushed his total up to 39 Midmar Miles.

In addition to the Dusi, the Salty Dogs have also conquered various local surf-ski races, both on rivers and in the sea, which they take part in throughout the year.

“We are fortunate to be so spoilt for choice when it comes to exercise in our area. With so much on offer like running, cycling, mountain-biking and paddling, there really is something out there for everybody and we should all get out and enjoy the beautiful coastline, fields and trails we have right here on our doorstep,” said Price.

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