North Coast paddlers pulled off some giant-killer acts in the Dusi Canoe Marathon at the weekend.

Sheffield’s Dusi debutante Kyle Laxton (19) powered his way to victory in the men’s U23 K1 category, while Salt Rock’s Pippa McGregor, teaming up with Olympic medalist Bridgitte Hartley, claimed third place in the women’s K2 section.

Local paddlers of all ages and skill levels took on the race after initial cancellation fears because of poor water quality.

But the intrepid competitors forged ahead and the Umgeni River rewarded them with generally good conditions and water levels.

McGregor and Olympic bronze medalist Hartley proved a formidable duo, grabbing the third position after day 1 and never relinquishing it.

With their combined experience, the pair had clean runs through days 2 and 3, rounding off the podium in a time of 9 hours and 54 minutes.

For Laxton, who is sponsored by V&A medical placement agency and African Institute, his first Dusi experience proved to be an overwhelmingly positive one.

“I raced the Fish River Marathon in 2019, which was my first real taste of river paddling. The Dusi has been my dream ever since,” said Laxton, who is also a South African canoe polo player.

He bravely took on the race alone, choosing not to seek the experience and know-how of an older partner.”I did a l

ot of homework on the rapids and prepared for any eventualities by carrying an extra paddle, repair kits and spare boat parts. I just wanted to make it in one piece, so I am elated with the result,” he said.

He beat out 2 other strong opponents in the U23 K1 section and finished 13th overall in the K1 division in a time of 13 hours and 24 minutes.

Regular Salt Rock podium finisher, Hank McGregor, just missed out on a medal, finishing 4th with partner Matthew Millward.

He previously won the Dusi in 2005, 2006 and 2018.

Many other North Coast paddlers, including 6 from the Dolphin Coast Paddlers Club, turned in improved performances.

Robert Crichton and Nkosi Mzolo finished 43rd, for Crichton a vast improvement on his 197th finish last year.

Dominic Furby and Robert Butcher claimed the 45th position, with Furby beating his K1 finish last year.

Greg Cackett and Charles Ferrow came in 48th, 141 places higher than last year.

Lee Furby and Barry Painting crossed the finishing line in 61st position, also an improvement on last year’s 77th placing.

Bruce Brauteseth and Ron Benjano finished 136th, with Brauteseth bettering his K1 finish of 165th.

Finally, Gareth Wright and Bruce Mackenzie also bested their 2021 position, finishing 150 places higher in 161st.

For a full list of results, visit dusi.co.za/results.

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