Dabs is full of amazing characters – but Moolies Moolman is in an extraordinary league of his own; now having written history in making the fastest ever solo crossing of the Atlantic. But no Moolies trip is without a bit of drama and a tale or two; it wasn’t all plain rowing or paddling. After his first week at sea it looked like the planned 45days might become 60 or 70. His rowing contraption broke after just 3 days, so he had to revert to plan P and paddle, plus the swell and currents weren’t helping as much as expected. For a while there were concerns that he might be lost at sea, so search and rescue plans were put in place. Then it looked like if survived the sea, he might end up marooned, miles off-course in Brazil. But while some worried, he simply asked the rescue team to rather send 50 mates, a rock ‘n roll band, pom-pom girls, wine, champagne, beer and roast lamb with veggies. He made a new Best Friend called StormVoel and one can only guess what they discussed, before he met the Simpson family (of fish) who told him he looked funny. He celebrated the half way mark and Christmas with Jack Daniels, while Sail Fish danced for him. Some days looked almost heavenly; some sounded desperately dire and even his doubt arouse. Astonishingly, he repaired his propulsion mechanism. He worked day and night to get into the right conveyer current, and then he seemed to fly. And he reached his destination of Cayenne, French Guiana safely – much to the relief of many. In the end his trip of 4020km took just 36 days, based on his determination and faith. What an incredible feat! Well done Moolies you Mal Man, we look forward to your celebratory, fund raising dinner.
Way, way, way easier than crossing the Atlantic was the Dabs Dam Busters, but it was still hard for many, and of the 70 plus starters we had several DNF’s. Perhaps it was Scout Hall rapid or the portage, but it certainly wasn’t because of the weather which was overcast and cool; what many would wish for at the Dusi. In the racing, the podiums of the 4 different events were once again topped with the usual suspects. Rio won the Guppy Boys while Aara won the Guppy Girls. The Men’s Short Course paddle was won by Kyle while Pippa won the Ladies. The Men’s Paddle and Portage without a boat was won by Wayne while Kirsty won the Women’s and then the main race of Paddling and Portaging with a boat was won by Siseko, closely followed by Rob C and MJ. No ladies entered this K1 race and we wonder if we will have any Dabs ladies participating in Dusi 2025, and who amongst the Dabs guys will be going? Anyway while some couldn’t finish this event, well done to Glen Marques who ran double the distance (on those long legs of his), and then still did the paddle too.
Thanks and well done to the Morning School Crew for a great event, led by Colin Mussett, and sponsored by Lynca Meats and Readyfresh Fruit and Veg. Brent and Gordy, Guns and Tim were in their happy place – at the braai – so the food was fantastic. Thanks to JT and his band of run route Marshals: Karen, Chris, Brusch, Steve, Raoul, Giles and thanks to the time keepers Kevlar and Caren. After prizegiving (including wine, cooldrinks and fine hampers of fresh fruit and vegetables) the heavens opened, but there were several guys who were very happy to stay and rehydrate. Morning School, run mostly by Mark Garden, is every Tuesday at 06:00 and well worth attending, for everything from fitness to to fun.
Down in KZN, the Midmar Mini Marathon was won by Mat Fenn and Christie McKenzie respectively. From our pond Benji was 7th overall while Brad was 14th. Now there are lots of river races coming up with the 50 Miler (actually only 26km) down at Dusi Bridge this weekend and then for the last weekend of January it’s the Drak Challenge along with Thrombi Fest for the Plastic guys. Despite low water levels, the 2024 Drak had 285 (225 K1 & 60 K2) boats finish making it SA’s No1 river race compared to Dusi with 205 boats finishing. On the first weekend of February it’s Inanda Dam to Durban, and hopefully also the Elands (a lovely K1 river with nothing too intimidating; assuming there are no hippos) so go have fun! Then it’s the Dusi and then the Umko. GCU Sprints also start on the first weekend of February – so there’s lots to plan for.
Till next time – Go Dabs!