Some of the festive atmosphere of the Dusi Canoe Marathon washed away on Friday when one of the 1400 participants died after being trapped under a rock in the raging Mgeni River.
Durban dentist Heini Jordaan, 57, capsized in Big Bend rapids on the second stage of the three-day event. It was the fifth death in the 64-year history of the famous race, which takes place annually on the Msundusi and Mgeni rivers between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
Jordaan was an avid adventure sportsman who had done the Dusi before. Experienced paddlers said that anyone who has canoed down a river is well aware of the perils - and that the danger and the courage needed to face it are part of the attraction.
Some paddlers wore black armbands during the 40km final stage from Inanda Dam to Blue Lagoon. Among them was race winner Andy Birkett, 24, who broke the race record and became the first canoeist to complete the 120km marathon in less than eight hours, with a combined time of seven hours 55 minutes.
Lance Kime was second, five minutes back. Third place went to Sbonela Khwela and fourth to Thulani Mbanjwa.
Laura O'Donoghue took the women's title in nine hours 40minutes, with teenager Cana Peek second.
Despite Friday's tragedy the spectacle and spirit of the Dusi endured. The camaraderie and fun among the "fish and chips" - the mass of paddlers - brings canoeists back year after year.
Broken boats and the famous "Dusi guts" diarrhoea are all part of the experience. The overnight camps are full of laughter and tales of fortune and misfortune.
It isn't a purist's canoe race but it's very tough - and one of the world's great sporting adventures.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
