THE recent Ozzie Gladwin race signalled the start of ‘Dusi Season’ and gave paddling crews a chance to lay down markers and test their mettle ahead of this year’s Dusi Canoe Marathon.

For Durban North residents and K2 pair, Trenton Lamble and Josh Simpkins, this was the case as they ended their first competitive race in eighth position overall in a time of 01:53:38

They have also set the target of finishing in the Top 10 of the Dusi Canoe Marathon, a feat Lamble says they are capable of achieving.

“I’m really looking forward to this year. Both Josh and I have put in a significant amount of effort in the lead-up to the Dusi. Excelling in a K2 crew is all about being in the boat and off the water. What is important is we are on the same page and wavelength. What has impressed me with Josh is that, despite his young age, he has such a mature, level head and understanding of the conditions.

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“Not everybody who forms a K2 crew necessarily gels, but with Josh and I, there is a good synergy and our combination works well. We wanted to use the races pre-Dusi to test ourselves and give us the best preparation come the start of the Dusi. We have done everything we can – followed a good training plan in terms of nutrition and rest to give ourselves the best chance of success,” he said.

Lamble will be attempting to complete his 25th Dusi this year and added he was under no illusions on how tough a task of finishing in the top 10 are.

“When Josh and I first started talking we both wanted to make a good go of it. We said if we do this, then let’s aim for top 10. Having said that, we are also realistic to the challenges and how things can change on the day. We realise top 10 is a difficult ask but we are motivated for it,” he said.

For Simpkins (20), this year will mark his third Dusi after a year-long paddling hiatus.

“Initially my plan was to work overseas at the beginning of the year. However, that didn’t work out and when Trenton approached me to paddle Dusi with him I said yes. It was a fairly spontaneous pair-up and everything sort of aligned our paths. I was really pleased with our Ozzie Gladwin finish and we’ve earmarked other races coming this weekend to continue our momentum.

“We’ve got the SMG 50-Miler and the Inanda Dam to Durban still to come and both races give paddlers a chance to experience tough race conditions. The more racing you do together, the more you gel as one. You get into the same mindset and you build on your strengths. I also feel it gives you a good idea where you stand competitively and that could impact your race strategy,” he said.

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The duo thanked their sponsors for their support, especially when it came to equipment and nutrition.

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