Cele proves his paddling prowess in tough Dusi
Few paddlers take on the gruelling 120km Dusi Challenge and, this year, only 73 boats finished the tough event.
One of the paddlers who succeeded was Richard Cele, who managed to navigate the severe challenge that meanders through the Valley of 1000 Hills.
Cele, a coach and mentor at the Victoria Lake Canoe Club, in Germiston, finished third in his K2 race, in 8.45 hours.
Having also completed the Dusi in a top 20 position, Cele is currently rated the top river paddler in Gauteng.
Boksburg’s Jarryd Breeds partnered with ERK canoe club member Tommy Booth for their doubles event, and finished 13th in an impressive time of 10.17 hours.
The Dusi starts in Pietermaritzburg and ends in Durban, with a various portage sections of the river, where boats have to be taken out of the water and carried.
The challenge takes place annually, and this year’s edition was held on Friday, March 6.
Only the fittest, most robust paddlers with river knowhow manage to finish the event within the specified time period.
Starting in the dark, with headlights, the distance must be completed before sunset or the competitors are withdrawn from the race. – @SabeloBoksburg
