DUZI UPDATE - DAY 2

Our intrepid paddlers had a tough day today - Pete O and Daubs damaging their boat and spending a good hour on the river repairing but in true Duzi spirit made the finish at Inanda dropping from 171 to 384 in the process, Wiseman and Partner had a solid day holding their position in the 600 for two novices this is a great achievement. Vetch and Wilson are still in the fish and chips holding their own. Tomorrow across the Dam to face a challenging 12km of rapids from Tops Needle, Umzinyathi Rapids before making the decision to run the infamaous Burma Road portage or take on the likes of Little John, and the great Island Rapid and from Pumphouse it homeward bound through the Hyacinth blockages to the finish ...... good luck lads !! 

DUZI UPDATE DAY 1

Pete O , Daubs went extremely well finishing the 1st day in 171st position which qualifies them for A Batch on the second day.

Mike Wiseman and P.Philip his Aussie mate also survived the 1st Day qualifying in O Batch

With Pete Wilson and Murray Vetch also going well and setting off today in R Batch.

Well done lads all in on the first day - today sees the paddler into confluence where the Duzi and Umgeni meet and they will be in for some big rapids, Hippo, Side Chute, Mfula Store, a tough saddles portage and a long slog on Inanda Dam to the cold Hansa at the finish.

They are in SA !!!!


Daubs, Pete and Mike arrived in Durban on Friday and quickly inspected their brand new K2 kayaks that were carefully stashed at Simon's place (Daub's brother).  We also met up with Mike's paddling partner, Pete Phillipp.  The boats were quickly loaded onto the roof and down they went to the Blue Lagoon (not sure why they call it blue 'cause it is as far from blue as you can get!).  A leisurely paddle followed by pizza and a few beers (carbo loading!).  Very happy with the boats.  Next on the Daubs Tour of SA was a trip up to the Umgeni river for the afternoon.  All well at this stage with Mike and Pete P getting used to some white water.  The next day was spent tripping some of the main rapids on day 2 of the race with Spike, a local paddling legend followed by a BBQ at Spike's farm and some great South African hospitality.  The injury list for the day included 3 broken paddles and a few scratches.

The next day was spent tripping the Umzinkulu river in Underberg.  After negotiating the first weir and just entering the gorge - Daubs and Pete sitting at the bottom of the first rapid waitng for Mike and Pete to head down - all looking good then swim time - Mike manages to hang onto the back of the boat but it soon fills with water and with two big boulders looming things weren't looking good.  The boat turns sideways and only a matter of time folds in half!

After inspecting the damage - major! - Daubs and Pete decide to continue the paddle through the gorge to our pick up point.  Awesome rapids, great ride.  Unfortunately Mike and Pete were left with carrying the boat, grew boring very quickly so splinted the boat and wrapped it in duct tape and paddled/limped home.  And the race hasn't even started!!

Finally found someone in Durban that can repair the boat in time for the race.

Registration day tomorrow.

Stay tuned.