Local paddler gears up for sixth Dusi Canoe Marathon

The countdown to the 2019 FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon is on and paddlers from across the country are already hard at work getting their boats, their bodies and their minds ready to take part in the popular three-day event.

Hailed the biggest canoeing event on the African continent, roughly 2000 paddlers will be tackling 120 grueling kilometres along the Msunduzi and Mgeni Rivers from 14 to 16 February.

Among the thousands taking part are a number of avid Dolphin Coast paddlers, including Salt Rock resident Adri Olwage who will be taking part in her sixth Dusi.

Passionate about the sport, Adri has been hard at work prepping for this year’s event and is geared up for another good run after last year’s successful race.

“Last year was my best Dusi, I was fit and strong and together with my partner Chris Borain we made good time, knocking off about three hours from my previous Dusi’s,” said Adri.

This was a major achievement after a tough run in 2017, which saw Adri push herself to the limit.

Adri, who is part of the Umvoti Canoe club, but trains weekly with the Dolphin Coastal Paddlers at Dudley Pringle dam, said training for the Dusi takes a lot of dedication and hard work.

“I have managed to follow a programme, which includes running and hill training. Swimming is also a good way of training, which also helps me train for the Midmar Mile which is the weekend before Dusi. And obviously there is serious paddling time – both flat water and river.”

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While daily training sessions are important, Adri said rest days are just as crucial.

“Peeking too early in your training will only burn you out before Dusi.

“Eating healthy is also an important part of training.”

The tough training and strict schedules are part of the paddling game for Adri, but come easily as she has been passionate about being on the water ever since she was first given the chance to tackle the Dusi with a friend a few years ago.

“I had the privilege to second some of the top paddlers on Dusi for about 10 years, but my heart longed to be on the river. One day my friend took a chance with me and offered to do Dusi with me – it was a dream come true.” “Since then I have become a very confident paddler.”

Safety concerns

While the paddlers are looking forward to the big event, the safety aspect has been brought to light after last weekend’s 50 Miler one-day race along the Msunduzi River was marred by incidents of theft.

The organisers have stepped in to reassure paddlers that their safety will be guaranteed.

FNB Dusi GM Steve Botha said there are two reputable security companies employed for the duration of Dusi to supply security at the overnight stops and finish, as well as many other security measures in place.

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