12 February 2019
Dear Mlungisi,
It is race week! All the preparation for the 2019 FNB Dusi has been completed, the goodie bags are packed and waiting, and to add to the buzz and build-up, the rains are falling steadily in Maritzburg now.
We had some terrific rain overnight in Maritzburg and the river is running full today which adds another element of excitement!
All of which suggest we are in for a great three days to Blue Lagoon in Durban!
Registration is at the NCC clubhouse at Camps Drift from 9am to 6pm on Wednesday. The elite paddlers will be briefed at 10am, after which they fulfil any media obligations.
It is such a great day so plan to get there early, reconnect with old mates and share an ice cold Hansa to settle the nerves!
Hansa will be ensuring the whole race is festive!
The Kickstands will be performing live at Inanda Dam between 11am and 1:45 pm and then again live at Blue Lagoon between 10:00am and 10:45am before the start of the live streaming coverage and then after the race from 2:30pm to 3:15pm.
Water
We are in a good space regarding water this year! As we speak the Dusi is running at slightly above the usual Dusi Day One level which takes the pressure off the Henley Dam release!
We have an agreement to get around 5 cumecs from Nagle Dam that you will meet at the Confluence, so Day Two will be great. Day Three will at worst be the same as last year from Inanda Dam.
The water authorities meet later this week to make a final call and with all this rain around it may very well be more.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FROM THIS MORNING HERE
Entries
If you are still thinking about entering after this massive rains overnight, you CAN STILL ENTER!
Please contact Sarah (033 342 1528) at Dusi HQ and she can process your entry!
Seconders
This year we are going the extra mile for the seconds! In addition to the online Google maps to the second points available off the website, we have produced a very thorough seconds guide, which every paddler will get a hard copy of in their goodie bags. This will details in precise detail which roads to take and where to turn off.
Competition
We are also looking to recognise and reward our seconds! We have an brilliant Rapid 1 paddle from Gara Racing Paddles as a prize for the coolest or most inspiring seconding story posted on social media (photo or video or just a note). Tag the Dusi in on the entry and include #DusiSuperSecond.
The paddle could be the start of your seconds paddling career or the ultimate present to the paddler!!
We’ll have more info on this compo on our social media pages ASAP but in the meantime you can start entering.
Ts&Cs: You have to like the Dusi on Facebook and Instagram and tag us in the post to stand a chance of winning!
Catering
The huge Mama Chicken pantechnikon will be at the end of each stage offering a range of freshly made and tasty meals that should fill the tummies of paddlers and their families alike.
Also a great chance to taste the new range of products from Thirsti!
Boat Repairs
Please be aware the every paddler is ultimately responsible for the repairs to their boats! Some of the manufacturers have services specifically to people who paddle their boats and in the past there have been a few commercial operations offering boat repair facilities.
This year there will be very few commercial operators offering repair facilities and their capacity will be very limited.
So be prepared for the worst and make sure you have a boat repair kit, with sandpaper/grinder/sanding disc in your vehicle – just in case.
Gordon Tripp from Tripper will have complete repair kits for sale as well consisting of resin catalyst and chopstrand.
Please travel safe as you head to Maritzburg. We look forward to a fantastic FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon.
Steve Botha
Dusi GM