Triple Dusi action for Sias

Du Plessis is preparing to take on his third Dusi Canoe Marathon with partner Deon Bruss in 2014.

 A Kwa-Zulu Natal upbringing has meant that the idea of “doing the Dusi” has always been in the back of Du Plessis mind and when he took the plunge in 2012 to compete in his first, the second was a definite, and although there was slight doubt about whether 2014 was a possibility – with added motivation and a passion for the sport Du Plessis will be back in 2014.

“Being a Durban boy, I have followed the incredible race since I can remember and when the opportunity arose to do the famous race for a charity I feel strongly about, I jumped at the opportunity,” the radio personality said. “I remember watching the legends of Dusi, Graeme Pope-Ellis and co. back in the day finishing at Blue Lagoon and thinking that one day I would like to get a Dusi under my belt.”

Taking on an epic challenge like the Dusi Canoe Marathon is something that takes a substantial amount of preparation but for a busy man like Du Plessis finding time to train is something that he battles with but having a partner that he can rely on to help him the whole way down the river.

“Unfortunately I don't get enough time to train and I try to prepare as best I can with CrossFit and boxing, my biggest problem is getting time on the water, so my paddling often leaves a lot to be desired. “Thank goodness for the legend that is my partner, Deon Bruss, who helps me down the river and through the tough patches like Inanda Dam and the stretch into Blue Lagoon.

“This year in particular has been tough as my schedule has been insane, so it will be very interesting to see how I handle the race with so little preparation,” Du Plessis mentioned cautiously.

Heading into the epic three day canoeing challenge from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, Du Plessis has not set himself too higher goals for the 2014 edition and hopes that by just getting to the finish he would have achieved his goals for the race.

“I think this year, finishing is first prize purely because of my lack of training, but to try and conquer all the big rapids is high up on the list.”

Getting to the finish of the final day at Blue Lagoon in Durban is a relief for most paddlers but Du Plessis felt more than just relief when he crossed the line in his birthtown on the Saturday of his maiden race.

“I could not believe how overwhelming it was when I crossed that line at the finish. I had tears in my eyes as we came into Blue Lagoon, the support was superb and it was such an incredible moment that as soon as we finished, I was raring to do another! “It really is a special race and something I will cherish. I honestly didn't even think of doing a third, I had such a crazy schedule that I thought I would skip it and focus on my business, but once that bug bites and you replay the experience in your head, you always want to get back on the river,” Du Plessis added excitedly.

There are a handful of events in Kwa-Zulu Natal that test people’s endurance to the limit and the canoeing fraternity in in the province and nationwide join together and take on the whole experience together. Being able to enjoy the race for more than just a race and take in the whole experience of what comes with the Dusi Canoe Marathon is hugely important for Du Plessis.

“The paddling family is fantastic! What a great group of people. “I think being able to participate in such a famous race amongst a quality group makes the race so awesome and being able to say you have completed something like the Dusi also makes it extra special.

“There are so many things that make it a special event and the only way I can explain why it is so satisfying is when you look at the map and see how far you have gone and what tough obstacles you have overcome, it makes you feel rather proud of your achievement,” he said.

The Dusi Canoe Marathon 2014 starts in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday 13 February and ends in Durban on Saturday 15 February 2014. More information can be found at www.dusi.co.za.

(File photo:Gallo Images)

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