The gruelling Dusi challenge
ALBERTSKROON – Local talent Siseko Ntondini smelled victory when he became the third Gauteng finisher at the 2015 Dusi Challenge.
The ultimate world famous canoe marathon, the Dusi, took place from 19 to 21 February from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, a distance of 120km.
Numerous paddling members from the Emmarentia-based canoe club, Dabulamanzi also participated at the race.
Albertskroon resident Siseko Ntondini pulled out all the stops and raced to the finish line. Ntondini, however, missed the 20th spot and emerged 21st, in nine hours over the three days.
One of the favourites for a top Gauteng finish, who was working hard towards a top 10 finish, Loveday Zondi, withdrew after dislocating his shoulder.
“I must say that I think it was a particularly tough Dusi with low water levels. It was hard to get a boat safely through some of the more treacherous rapids and there were many highly experienced paddlers who surprisingly were unable to finish as a result of boat damage,” said spokesperson for Gauteng Canoe Union Jennie Dallas.
Dallas added, “Even more experienced paddlers simply didn’t manage as well as in previous years… Paddlers got battered and bruised.”
