Dusi Canoe Marathon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dusi Canoe Marathon |
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| Date | February |
| Location | Pietermaritzburg/Durban, South Africa |
| Event type | Canoe Marathon |
| Distance | 120 kilometres (75 mi) |
| Established | 1951 |
The Dusi Canoe Marathon is a famous canoe race held every year in South Africa. It takes place over three days, starting in Pietermaritzburg and ending in Durban. Paddlers race along the Msunduzi and Mgeni Rivers for a total distance of about 120 kilometers (75 miles).
This exciting race attracts between 1,600 and 2,000 paddlers each year. This makes it the biggest canoeing event in all of Africa! The Natal Canoe Club organizes the Dusi Marathon. Their clubhouse is right on the banks of the Msunduzi River, which is where the race begins.
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What is the Dusi Canoe Marathon?
The Dusi Canoe Marathon is a long-distance canoeing event. It's known as a "marathon" because of its challenging length. The race tests paddlers' strength, skill, and endurance. They have to navigate fast-flowing rivers and also carry their canoes over land.
The race is held once a year, usually in February. It has been a popular event since it first started in 1951. Many people come to watch the paddlers.
How Does the Race Work?
The Dusi Canoe Marathon is split into three main parts, called stages. Each stage has a clear start and finish point. Paddlers race each day, and their times are added up. The teams that finish fastest usually complete the whole race in under nine hours.
The Three Stages of Dusi
The race starts at the Natal Canoe Club in Pietermaritzburg. This is at a place called Camps Drift.
- Day 1: This stage is about 42 kilometers (26 miles) long. Paddlers have to carry their canoes for about 15 kilometers (9 miles) of this stage. This is called "portaging."
- Day 2: This is the longest stage, at 46 kilometers (29 miles). It takes paddlers to the Inanda Dam. Along the way, the Msunduzi River joins the Mgeni River. Paddlers then have to paddle about 11 kilometers (7 miles) across the flat water of the dam.
- Day 3: The final stage is the shortest, at 36 kilometers (22 miles). It ends at Blue Lagoon in Durban. This stage also includes about 10 kilometers (6 miles) of flatwater paddling across the lagoon. The race finishes at the Kingfisher Canoe Club.
What Kinds of Boats are Used?
Paddlers can choose from different types of canoes and kayaks for the Dusi. Each type belongs to a specific class.
- K1 and K2: These are common types of kayaks. K1 means one paddler, and K2 means two paddlers in the boat.
- White Water and Touring: These classes include different designs of kayaks. Touring kayaks might have rudders to help with steering.
- Touring Canadian: These are open canoes. They are paddled by one or two people using single-blade paddles.
- Other Boats: The Touring class also includes larger kayaks like K3s (three paddlers) and K4s (four paddlers). Even plastic kayaks and Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs) can join the Touring Class.
