Decade of Dusi for Sea Park paddler
Even during the Covid-19 period, Ayrton Barron remained committed to the challenge, to keep his record intact.
Ayrton Barron of Sea Park reached a major milestone in his paddling career after completing his 10th Dusi Canoe Marathon.
Barron partnered with Margate’s Dylan Bense in the 75th edition of the gruelling race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban last weekend.
The pair finished 57th overall, clocking a time of 09:53 in the K2 category, among 210 boats that completed the demanding three-day, roughly 120km race.
Reflecting on the race, Barron said the conditions played in the paddlers’ favour.
“We enjoyed it. Smooth sailing, no issues, and we enjoyed the medium river with good flowing water and good weather,” said Barron.
Barron’s 10th finish is particularly significant, as completing the race 10 times earns paddlers a permanent green number – a prestigious badge of honour in the iconic event.
Even during the Covid-19 pandemic period, Barron remained committed to the challenge, to keep his record intact.
In 2024, Barron and Bense claimed a silver medal for a top 50 finish when they placed 48th overall – another highlight in their growing list of achievements at one of South Africa’s toughest endurance races.
Fellow South Coast paddlers, Simon Heaver from Paddock and Patrick McNeill from Umzumbe, also tackled the demanding race, finishing a commendable 87th overall and fourth in their division. The finished in 10:52, and came first in the 60 to 64 age group.
They are not new names to the punishing event. The South Coast paddlers have been steadily improving their performances over the years and regularly feature among the stronger finishers in the event.
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