A New Year, A New Dusi Challenge for Andy Birkett

As the 2025 Dusi Canoe Marathon draws near, Andy Birkett is gearing up for what could be a milestone victory—his 15th title, tying with the legendary Graeme Pope-Ellis.

However, don’t expect Birkett to be fixated on breaking records.

Instead, the Euro Steel star is focused on the race itself, staying true to his laid-back approach to what has been an incredibly successful journey in the sport.

The Dusi King’s Modest Attitude

Birkett’s dominance in the Dusi Canoe Marathon has been remarkable.

Since 2010, he’s been a consistent contender, winning all but one race since 2014.

Yet, despite being on the cusp of making history, he’s not one to chase records.

“I’ve never really focused on counting wins or chasing titles,” Andy shared with a modest tone.

“I’m just grateful to still be enjoying the Dusi, and that’s my priority.

As long as I’m having fun, I’ll keep coming back.”

For Birkett, the thrill of competing is all about the experience, not the number of wins.

Looking ahead to the 2025 race, he’s eager to take on the challenge again, especially after enjoying a well-deserved break in the off-season.

Taking Time to Recharge

After a whirlwind year in 2024, which included representing South Africa at the Paris Olympics, Birkett was able to step back and recharge.

This downtime has allowed him to mentally and physically prepare for the upcoming Dusi.

“I was able to take a couple of weeks off from paddling, which was refreshing,” he said.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve had that kind of break, and it’s made a big difference.

I’m excited to get back to the river and dive into the training for Dusi.”

At 34, Birkett understands the importance of balance.

The rest he took was just what he needed to be ready for the busy 2025 race season.

A Smarter Approach to Training

As the Dusi approaches, Birkett has made a conscious effort to adapt his training routine.

In the past, he’s often pushed too hard too soon, leading to injuries.

This year, he’s being more cautious.

“I’ve learned to pace myself better,” Birkett joked.

“Maybe age is making me wiser! I’m taking a more conservative approach, focusing on gradual progress instead of rushing into things.”

In addition to his cross-training, one of his key training highlights is the two weeks spent paddling on the Umzimkhulu River in Underberg.

“It’s not really training; it’s just about having fun on the water,” he explained.

“The fitness just comes naturally from the hours spent paddling.”

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Dusi

With the race just around the corner, Birkett is preparing to get into full “Dusi mode,” which includes racing the Drak Challenge as a tune-up event.

As the 74th Dusi Canoe Marathon approaches, it’s clear that Birkett’s focus remains on enjoying the experience and giving it his best shot, rather than obsessing over another record-breaking win.

The 2025 Dusi promises to be another thrilling contest with some of the nation’s top paddlers, and Andy Birkett will certainly be one to watch.

For now, though, he’s just excited to race, have fun, and see where the river takes him.

Are You a Dusi Fan?

If you’re excited for the upcoming Dusi Canoe Marathon or have some thoughts to share, feel free to comment below or get in touch with us via email or WhatsApp

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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