Events
Star-studded field ready for 2016 FNB Dusi start
Photos: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media
Pietermaritzburg – No fewer than nine former or current marathon world champions and eleven past winners are set to tackle the 65th edition of the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon when the 120km race gets underway at06h00 on Thursday morning with the firing of the starter’s canon sending the 1248 eager participants on their way from Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg to Durban’s Blue Lagoon.
The star-studded men’s field promises to produce one of the most memorable K2 clashes since the turn of the millennium with only a brave soul willing to predict a probable top ten.
2014 winners Andy Birkett and Sbonelo Khwela have opted to take on this year’s challenge with fresh partners, Birkett (Euro Steel) combining with 2013 K1 Dusi winner Lance Kime while Khwela (Euro Steel/Red Bull) and fellow Shongweni Valley resident and Computershare Change a Life Academy product Banetse Nkhoesa will look to go the distance.
While both pedigree crews, both teams have had more eventful build-ups than they may have hoped for.
Euro Steel/Red Bull’s Sbonelo Khwela (front) and Banetse Nkhoesa (back) have had a dramatic journey to the start line of the 2016 FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon however the pair remain strong podium contenders.
For Birkett and Kime, the latter’s opting out of the N3TC Drak Challenge in the Southern Drakensberg in January due to illness reduced his river skills preparation significantly while the reversing of positions in the boat created another last minute stress.
Similarly, Khwela and Nkhoesa’s partnership hung in the balance for much of the festive season after the latter suffered an unfortunate stabbing incident in December that wounded his shoulder and punctured his lung.
The 22 year-old has however recovered well and he and Khwela are eager to reignite their championship as best they can.
Euro Steel/Mocké Paddling’s Hank McGregor and Jasper Mocké, one of the only top elite crews to return from two years ago where they finished in second place, will too be eager to stake a claim for this year’s crown.
The presence of ADreach/Euro Steel’s Len Jenkins and Siseko Ntondini, Build it/Euro Steel’s Thulani Mbanjwa and Shaun Rubenstein, Kayak Centre/Starsky’s Murray Starr and Owen Gandar, Seed Co/USN’s Alan and Andrew Houston as well as Matelec/Pope’s Canoe Centre’s Ant Stott and Carl Folscher will also add to the fascinating encounter.
Techpro Racing’s Jenna Ward (right) and Vanda Kiszli (left) of Hungary have had little time together in the boat ahead of the start of the 2016 FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon however the pair compliment each other well and are strong podium contenders.
Meanwhile in the women’s race, 2016 would appear to be the year Abby Solms (Euro Steel) finally breaks her run of six second place finished when she and current ICF Canoe Marathon World Champion Anna Kožíšková of Czech Republic start this year’s clash as race favourites.
Solms and Kožíšková are however likely to have their hands full throughout the three day challenge as Techpro Racing’s Jenna Ward and Hungary’s Vanda Kiszli – double defending U23 Women’s Marathon World Champ – as well as Euro Steel juniors Cana Peek and Kyeta Purchase look to claim their share of the spoils.
The lead trio will be chased hard by the likes of Alex Adie and Tamika Haw, Pink Lady’s Donna Tutton and Hayley Nixon, Jane Swarbreck and Kirsten Penderis of the Western Cape and Kerry Segal and Julia Trodd.
Further back in the field, former Dusi tough man Andre Hawarden is relishing his return to the race he created so many memories at many years ago while Brendon Germaine tackles the challenge on his stand up paddle board for the third year running.
Build it/Euro Steel’s Thulani Mbanjwa (front) and Shaun Rubenstein (back) start this year’s FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon as the men’s dark horse combination and will hope to put pressure on some of their more fancied rivals throughout the 120km adventure.
The continual rise of the Computershare Change a Life Academy, FirstRand SCARC and the Natal Canoe Club’s Development Programme promise another strong showing from these athletes while Candy Mavundla, Nombuso Mzolo and Nokukhanya Shange will also be on the water.
The race will also once again be supporting three causes, splitting the funds raised through the charity batch as well as FNB’s contribution between the Dusi Valley Paddlers Fund, Dusi Umgeni Conservation Trust (DUCT) and the newly formed FNB Dusi Drought Relief Initiative.
The 42km first stage of the from Camps Drift, Pietermaritzburg to Dusi Bridge on Thursday 18 February gets underway at 06h00 with the leading men expected at the finish at 08h35. More information can be found at www.dusi.co.za
Euro Steel’s Andy Birkett (front) and Lance Kime (back) start the 2016 FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon as favourites to claim the men’s title.
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Entertainment
Jeremy Loops to perform at Old Mutual Music at the Lake Concert at the Durban Botanic Gardens on Saturday 19 October.
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Unwind with Great Food and Vibes at Sunsets and Mermaids
Sunsets and Mermaids Restaurant and Bar in Umhlanga, Durban, is an experience you won’t want to miss. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a complimentary serving of olives stuffed with feta, a delightful mini starter that set the tone for what was to come.
We began with their unique sushi, featuring a delectable combination of prawn and salmon, paired with chicken dumplings that came with a choice of sauces. The hot sauce packed a punch, while the mild sauce offered a gentle, flavorful alternative—both enhanced the dishes perfectly. We paired our meal with expertly crafted cocktails: an Old Fashioned and a Margarita, each complementing the flavors of our food beautifully.
For lunch, we opted for their chicken and beef burgers, each topped with a homemade sauce that added a unique twist. The crispy onion rings and Lay-like chips were a perfect accompaniment, making for a satisfying and delicious meal.
What really stood out was the impeccable service. Not only were the staff attentive and friendly, but the chef personally came to our table to check if the food was to our liking and even offered some great recommendations. The atmosphere was electric, with the upbeat Durban music vibes adding to the overall experience.
Sunset and Mermaids is more than just a bar; it’s a culinary destination with a diverse menu that spans sushi, burgers, and even pizzas. Their Tuesday quiz nights and Wednesday Ladies Night add an extra layer of fun to the week. The place is such a vibe that even the Irish Rugby team made an appearance after their game against the Springboks!
We’re already planning our next visit and highly recommend that you give it a try too.
Sunsets and Mermaids is a must-visit spot in Umhlanga!
To book:
www.sunsetsandmermaids.co.za
(031) 943 3044
Info@sunmer.co.za
Ratings:
Service – 10/10
Location: 9/10
Ambiance – 9/10
Food – 10/10
Overall – 9/10
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The 2024 Sunday Tribune Great Outdoors Expo is coming up and it is KZN’s BIGGEST Adventure show!
The show is takes place at the Durban Exhibition Centre on the 31st of August and the 1st of September and is KZN’s premier outdoor and 4×4 Exhibition. The 2-day show brings together outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and families seeking to reconnect with nature.
This annual event has grown in popularity, highlighting the latest in outdoor equipment, travel destinations, and recreational activities. Whether you are an avid camper, a hiking enthusiast, or simply someone looking to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors, the Expo offers something for everyone.
Visitors to the 2024 Sunday Tribune Great Outdoors Expo can expect a diverse array of exhibitors displaying the newest camping gear, Trailers, 4×4 accessories, hiking equipment, and adventure sports accessories. Major brands and local retailers will be on hand, offering exclusive deals and demonstrations of their latest products. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore innovative tents, durable backpacks, advanced GPS devices, and much more, all designed to enhance outdoor experiences.
One of the highlights of the Expo is the 4×4 track managed by on of SA’s most experiences 4×4 drivers, Travis Duggan. Here visitors can climb inside the latest 4×4’s on the market and test the course and their nerves. Vehicle dealers from around Durban will be displaying the latest and best new vehicles on the market, which you can experience, review, sit inside and dream of your next adventure.
There is an incredible kids play and activity area, which is free to enter, where kids will be supervised, while enjoying Jumping castles, giant slides, carnival games, crazy bikes, bungee trampolines, and lots more.
The highlight of the Expo will not only the incredible exhibitors and the heart pounding 4×4 track, but there will be two of SA’s top Freestyle Motorbike Stunt jumpers, which will be taking to the sky in an ariel display each day inside dedicated MX arena.
In addition to the equipment, activities and Motocross display the Expo features over 20 Food and beverage stands as well as an indoor and outdoor Bar and live music by Tyler De Dominico, Tatum Tides and Gavin Ferguson.
Book the date and get your tickets online to avoid any gate ques from Webtickets.
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