After claiming a first Dusi Canoe Marathon title in 2024 with Andy Birkett in the K2 race, Matt Fenn is out to try and replicate that form in the K1 race in 2025 from 20-22 February.
Fenn, who trains with 14-time Dusi champion Birkett, joined the list of Dusi champions twelve months ago. The Eastern Cape combination dominated the race on the second and third days to seal a fairly comfortable win in the end.
Despite coming into this year as a K2 champion, Fenn feels that won’t have any bearing on a K1 race.
“I haven’t actually given last year’s race any thought going into this year,” Fenn said. “I’ve just been looking forward to this year’s race irrespective of last year’s result and I’m feeling fit and just wanted to train as well as I could for this year’s race.”
To come up against a friend, training partner and one of the most decorated Dusi paddlers is exciting and a challenge but for Fenn being able to learn from a legend of the Dusi is priceless.
“To be able to train and trip with him (Birkett) is fantastic, I am always learning from him and the wisdom that he offers is great and I really appreciate it.”
Looking ahead to the race in a few weeks’ time, Fenn hasn’t diverged from his traditional preparation for the Dusi.
“I’ve kept my training as usual with a lot of paddling and running as well as trying to get in as much race simulation as possible to prepare myself as much as I can.
“It’s also been important to take it easy over a long period of time. I haven’t really forced my training which means I haven’t picked up an injury.
“The goal of this block [of training] was to train hard but make sure I didn’t miss training due to an injury.
“It’s been a really good build up. It started a long time ago but I’m looking forward to the race,” the Euro Steel star said.
Looking at how he prepares for a K1 Dusi as opposed to a K2 Dusi, the major difference for Fenn is the fact that he doesn’t have to align his actions and plans with another paddler.
“I think the paddling and running training is the same, you just in a K1 and not a K2. The big difference is that in a K1 you don’t have to sync with someone and co-ordinate your race plan with someone else,” he mentioned.
The 74th edition of the iconic South African canoeing event through the Msunduzi and uMngeni valleys from Bishopstowe to Blue Lagoon, Durban takes place from Thursday, 20 February to Saturday, 22 February 2025.
