Adding spice to the Dusi canoe racing season

Paddlers get your oar in … there’s great excitement about the new-look series of summer racing in KZN this season.

As the season is about to hit full swing, the organisers of the 2021 MyLife Dusi Canoe Marathon have launched a new Dusi Series which will see paddlers fight it out for overall honours in the three main pre-Dusi races and the Dusi Marathon itself, which next year takes place from February 18-20.

Making up the trio of pre-Dusi races are the Clanfin Umpetha Challenge this weekend, the Lighthouse Design Ozzie Gladwin and the Kindo Covers Dash ‘n Crash, and these races will all provide scoring opportunities for those contesting the series.

For many, the Dusi is all about the experience. Picture: Dusi website

“There is a substantial interest in the Dusi at the moment and this new series will provide an added layer to the competition among the elite athletes. It will also add value to the races that the average paddlers choose to do as part of their Dusi preparations,” said Dusi committee head Shane Le Breton.

Safe environment

“We have always wanted to give paddlers the best value for money but also give them a safe environment to paddle in as they prepare for Dusi.”

Are you entered for the Umpetha Challenge this Sunday?

It is part of the new "Dusi Series" supported by Hansa, My Life, Dirt Road Outfitters and Eurosteel!

Click the link below for more info!https://t.co/2GmUuk8YgE #MyLifeDusi #MyLifeDusiCanoeMarathon pic.twitter.com/F08leycuzG

— Dusi Canoe Marathon (@DusiCanoe) November 25, 2020

The Umpetha Challenge opens the series with 100 points on the line for the Grand Prix style points system. The breakdown sees the Ozzie Gladwin dish up 150 points for the winner, while the Dash ‘n Crash offers 70 points for first place and the Dusi has the biggest point offering with 250 points on the line.

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In total the winner could walk away with 570 points should they win all four races in the series.

Easy as you go… negotiating rapids is a feature aspect of the famous three-day race.
Picture: Dusi website

“The added incentive is that there will be prize money for the series and we are hoping that we can continue to refine the series after we go through it this year.

“We encourage all paddlers to get involved because it’s a competitive way to prepare for the Dusi in February,” Le Breton added.

The 2021 MyLife Dusi Canoe Marathon takes place from February 18-20, 2021. Entry details and more information can be found at www.dusi.co.za