Salt Rock paddler Hank McGregor eases into finish line of Kindo Covers Inanda to Durban
The weekend race paddling conditions are said to have not been seen in 7 years as the spill proved a challenge for many a paddler, all except McGregor who pulled off the first win of the Dusi season.
Hank McGregor claimed the first win of the Dusi season, despite strong opposition from 22-year-old contender, Dave Evans.
For the first time in 7 years Inanda Dam spilled owing to heavy rains, but this did not hamper the Salt Rock paddler in his efforts to sprint across the finish line of the Kindo Covers Inanda Dam to Durban race on Sunday.
McGregor is set to compete in the upcoming final race of the MyLife Dusi series, the Lighthouse Design Ozzie Gladwin on March 7.
The weekend race paddling conditions are said to have not been seen in 7 years as the spill proved a challenge for many a paddler.
The spill had given eager Dusi paddlers an opportunity to scout lines and tactics for the final stretch of the MyLife Dusi route from Inanda Dam into the finish line at Blue Lagoon.
The showdown between McGregor and Evans was their second after McGregor edged the young contender at the FastDrak in December.
“I don’t think it’s a case of Dave giving me a run for my money, I think it’s the other way around!”
Euro Steel’s McGregor said: “There are some really exciting young paddlers coming through and it’s fantastic to see the sport of canoeing in such a good place.”
McGregor, an experienced paddler is looking at the upcoming conditions with a smile knowing that the waters are sure to play in his favour come the third day of the Dusi – he however recognises that the rest of the field will be well prepared no matter what conditions they find come race day.
“The water level that we paddled on during Sunday’s event really brought back memories of what it used to be like, and I had to dig deep into my memory to remember some of the lines!”
With just two weeks until the MyLife Dusi starts, McGregor believes his strong form will aid him greatly and, he’s more than comfortable with not putting any added pressure on himself.
“I have to pace myself a lot more than I used to and this season we haven’t had the same build up with the Drak, Cape Point Challenge and the local surfski series.”
“I am really excited for Dusi and if I can finish in the top ten I will be really happy because I have to be realistic.”
The 2021 MyLife Dusi Canoe Marathon takes place from 18-20 March 2021. Entry details and more information can be found at www.dusi.co.za.
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