For rapid relief … paddle with Ant
It was a decent Dusi all round for South Coast paddlers.
DUSI canoe marathon rookie Beth Stott described this year’s race as “out of this world” while South Coast veteran Willie Kunz was pretty pleased with his silver medal.
“It was especially pleasing beating my former K2 partners comprehensively,” said Willie, with a grin.
He was duly re-awarded his KwaZulu-Natal colours in the grand masters category (60 to 65).
Meanwhile, four time champion Ant Stott ((Pope’s Canoe Centre/Matalec) managed to get his mother safely to Durban from Pietermaritzburg, and, importantly, in one piece.
He enjoyed the very different experience of being very much part of the crowd.
“It was one of my tougher Dusis but I thoroughly enjoyed paddling midfield amongst the ‘fish and chips’!” said Ant.
“It is a very special medal for me this year to have crossed the line at Blue Lagoon with my mom!”
Dylan Bense was the first local paddler to finish, clocking a time of 10:31:29.
Simon Heaver and Patrick McNeill were next in a K2, in a time of 11:36:52, followed closely by Willie in a time of 11:42:17.
Dylan’s father Rudi finished in 11:49:20, with Shadrack Mkhize roughly four minutes behind.
Graeme Christensen and his partner took the scenic route and came home in 14:19:52.
“The race gets harder and harder every year but the moment you finish, those negative thoughts disappear and you start thinking that it wasn’t that bad after all,” said Willie.
“The competition is so fierce today and there are so many youngsters to compete against that you have to sharpen up,” he added.
Andy Birkett won the race for the fifth time.
The 64th edition of the Dusi was also a tribute to the iconic race’s great founder and first winner, Dr Ian Player, who died in November last year.
