A GROUP of 16 paddlers under the moniker Rapid Rookies is sure to stir up some interest at this year’s Dusi Canoe Marathon.

Formed earlier this year, the K2 crews, made up of local residents, combines an experienced paddler with a Dusi debutant.

One of those crews is Durban North residents Brett Bartho and Riaan Swanepoel.

Bartho is a Dusi rat and has completed more than five Dusi Canoe Marathons, while former Sharks flyhalf Swanepoel is the Dusi debutant.

Also read: uMdloti duo aim for Dusi podium

While completing the marathon is the overall goal for the Rapid Rookies, there is also an element of a race within a race.

“There is fierce competition and a bit of banter between us all,” explained Bartho. “While the goal is to have a trouble-free run into the finish at Blue Lagoon, there is also a race within a race between the crews, so we’re hoping to win that.”

This year’s race also serves as a reintroduction to the Dusi Canoe Marathon for Bartho, whose best result was a finish in the top 10 a little over a decade ago.

“I’ve only done Dusi in a K2 but it has been about 12 years since I touched a paddle. So as much as this is Riaan’s first paddle, I’ve had to do a few races to get my skills back to some level of competence. It’s like riding a bicycle; once you get going the muscle memory comes back quite quickly,” he said.

Already the duo have completed the 50 Miler and the Inanda Dam to Durban race which covers most of the final two days of the Dusi route, which has helped give the lay of land (so to speak) to debutant Swanepoel.

“It has been quite exciting. Brett and I have done a few races and with the upcoming Campbells to Dusi Bridge, we’ve pretty much covered all three days basically. It has been a good experience of what is ahead and it’s shown me quite how tough you have to be, both mentally and physically. It may be too early to say whether I will attempt another Dusi, but I would love to get Brett closer to his permanent Green Number,” he said.

Also read: Birkett and Fenn team up again for Dusi 2026

He also spoke on the pull of the Dusi as sporting spectacle.

“I never thought of doing the Dusi but I do know a few guys who’ve done it and seen it on TV. It is the pinnacle of paddling. I feel like it’s a thing in Durban that if you’re born and bred you want to do. Dusi is one of those boxes to tick, the Comrades Marathon hopefully in the future, I’ll see where my knees will carry me,” he said.

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