THIS year will mark the second time since 1988 that the Dusi Cane Marathon hasn’t begun from its traditional starting point at Camps Drift (Pietermaritzburg).

In fact, it is also the second time, since the first official Dusi in 1951, that the race has not started in Pietermaritzburg.

Water quality at the 2023 event meant the organisers were forced to move the start to Bishopstowe Country Club, around 14km downstream from the original starting point.

However, for brothers and K2 crew, Duane and Jody Taylor, this won’t be a problem as they’ve been granted special permission to start their race at Camps Drift.

Also read: Durban North paddler banks on experience at Dusi

The Durban North residents will both be aiming to complete their milestone 20th Dusi Canoe Marathons.

“Our friends were ribbing us, saying if we start at Bishopstowe Country Club, then we’ll only have done 19 and a half Dusis. We spoke to Dusi organising committee chairman Steve Botha who gave us permission to start at Camps Drift on race day,” explained Duane. “Being our milestone 20th Dusi, Steve (Botha) was happy to let us go. The plan is to start an hour before the main race gets underway, and we’ll paddle from Camps Drift to the new start point.”

The brothers, who’ve completed several Dusi Canoe Marathons as a K2 crew, are looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“It is a very special race for both of us, and we are just super excited. It is just a privilege to do our 20th together as we’ve done between 12 and 14 together. Realistically, we are not as fit as we would be for the Dusi, but one thing is certain, the Taylors will always make it competitive. It isn’t in our DNA to take it casually, and we plan to give it all we can,” Jody said.

Also read: Local paddlers aim for top 10 Dusi finish

Reflecting on their journey together, Jody feels there is a doggedness to paddling the Dusi.

“I think as the years have gone by, we’ve only grown closer. In the previous years, we’d have a few arguments on the course, and I think we’ve moved on from that to become so much better at dealing with adversity. We both have the attitude that we will take it as it comes with real determination. You can’t dwell on something that happened 10 minutes ago; you’ve just got to keep moving forward,” he said.

The duo are also aiming to get a special John Oliver medal will which be announced at the end of last year.

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