Dusi undergoes significant changes for 2023

South Africa's most famous canoe race, the Dusi, is undergoing some significant changes for the 2023 edition. 

For a start, the race won't be at the traditional Camps Drift Canal, but instead, the opening day on Thursday will see paddlers set off from Bishopstowe Country Club instead due to rain predicted on the day.

Following April's floods, the Mngeni River has changed significantly, and paddlers will need to keep their wits about them from the Confluence to Blue Lagoon as many landmarks and reference points have been washed away.

A change in start venue won't change the excitement of the race as several paddlers try to dethrone the Dusi Chief Andy Birkett, who is lining up a tenth consecutive Dusi title.

Considering his Dusi record is second only to Graham Pope-Ellis, Birkett’s form suggests that he will add to that tally and move a step closer to matching the Dusi King’s incredible record.

Birkett won twice overseas in 2022 and then started 2023 with a win at the N3TC Drak Challenge to show he is in top form. He is already considered an all-time great in river racing circles, but the unassuming star from East London should further cement his place in the hall of fame with a win this week.

The usual suspects are lining up to challenge Birkett with the duo of Msawenkosi Mtolo and Thulani Mbanjwa, just a couple of the names that will provide him with a stern test.

Dave Evans, who won the K2 title with Birkett in 2022, will be hoping for a podium finish this year, while Nqobile Makhanya is another paddler looking to put his stamp on the K1 race at the Dusi.

A training partner of Birkett’s, Matt Fenn, has come to the fore as a potential podium finisher after a strong KZN river season that included a win at the SMG 50 Miler and a