The Dusi: Think Chattajack on Steroids

The Dusi Canoe Marathon is the biggest event of its kind on the African continent.  It runs roughy 75 miles  between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban on the East Coast of South Africa.

Between 1600 and 2000 paddlers come to the race, which this year was held on February 16-18.

From the race website:

“Paddlers can choose between normal marathon K1s, K2s or even K3s (yes a K4 has even finished the Dusi before). These boats need to be of robust construction to be able to take the knocks dished out by the rocky river, and must have an overstern rudder. Paddlers must wear splashcover (spraydescks) and lifejackets (PFDs) and, if very full river conditions occur, will be required to wear helmets. Paddlers must make provision for their own hydration, and carry enough fluids for each stage of the race.”

This  year, Andy Birkett completed the three day event with the winning combined time of 8:32:54

Might want to put this one on your bucket list.