Andy Burkett won the first Dusi Canoe Marathon In the 2010 K2 race, jason graham.
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He has not lost a K2 race at this event since then, and the only blemish on his record since his first win was a rare mistake allowed in the 2016 K1 race. Lance Kim to prevent him from charging the front line.
Graham partnered with Burkett again in 2012, and for the intermediate K2 race, Burkett has been teamed up with five different partners: Sbonelo Zondi, Kim, Hank McGregor, Nzimande Kumbalani and Dave Evans.
This year, a seventh will be added. Matthew Fenn The all-Eastern Cape pairing with his Eurosteel teammates will chase Burkett's 13th win, which puts him just two shy of the 'Dushi King's record of 15. Graham Pope-Ellis.
But in Andy Burkett's humble opinion, that record is not his top priority.
“When Pope was at his peak, Dusi was a different breed. There are more variables and it's a lot easier to win these days,” he said.
“The boats, our equipment, routes and organization have changed dramatically over the years, but given what Pope has accomplished, he will always be King Dusi.”
This year, due to pollution of the river in Pietermaritzburg, the race has been changed again and will start from Bishopstow Hall.
“I think this is a great change as I believe events have to evolve. A little shorter than the traditional first day paddle to Dusi Bridge, the second saddle finish is also a two day paddle ending at Inanda Dam. It saves eye time,” Burkett said.
“That long and testing finish over the dam is always a tough mental test, but this year paddlers will be somewhat fresher at that stage so there will be fewer mistakes on the way to the line. ”
Andy Birkett's new partner
Burkett was scheduled to row with his 2022 K2 winning partner Dave Evans, but health issues forced Evans to withdraw and Fenn took his place.
“Matt is also based in East London, so we can train together all year round. This is his first Dusi, but he is an accomplished paddler and is looking forward to a long weekend on the River Gonubie. I’m proving myself in the paddle,” Burkett said.
Normally, Birkett enjoys a solid trip on the Dusi route to hone his skills and plan the race in his head, but recent heavy rains in KwaZulu-Natal have forced him to postpone his plans. Although I didn't get much, I would like to play in the river at least a little. Over the next few weeks.
“Despite knowing the races and the elements well, there are always changes in the river and there are new race lines to consider. It ultimately leads to knowing the river better,” he says. I did.
Looking back on his success and dominance in racing, Andy Birkett remains humble.
“Yes, I may have won all the time, but many of my victories were close and memorable battles in charges to the front. There wasn't much to separate me from the second-place finishers. , I have a lot of respect for the talent of the paddlers and athletes that give me good results every year,” he said.
“I still love the challenge of racing and that's what keeps me coming back. When my back hurts and I can't carry the boat, I might throw in the towel, but over the course of three days Anything can happen. One small mistake could lead to a new winner or me to lose.”
While many paddlers have given up on winning Birkett again this year, he offers hope and encouragement.
“With no 50 milers this year, Matt and I are not participating in the River Race as a doubles pair, so we don't have any pre-race form. That could reduce the pre-race favorite tag we carry. “It could be an advantage for us because of our competitiveness, but it also gives our more experienced and sophisticated race partners the belief that they can win overall honors,” he said.
For more information, please visit https://dusi.co.za/.
