CATO RIDGE - The country's top paddlers negotiated a 36.7-kilometre stage of running and paddling on stage one of the Dusi Canoe Marathon.
Sibonelo Khwela and Msawenkosi Mtolo powered to a first place finish while 12th time Dusi winner Andy Birkett and partner Matthew Fenn settled for second place.
In the ladies race it was Abby Solms and Jessica Behn who claimed day one.
2012 Olympic bronze medalist Bridgette Hartley took second place with partner Hilary Bruss.
Stage two gets underway on Friday morning from Cato Ridge all the way to Inanda dam.
* eNCA's Siphokazi Malinga reports.