NATIONAL NEWS - Tackling the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon with a family member is a special experience and aiming to achieve the feat are Houston brothers Alan and Andrew who have set themselves of challenging for the Under-23 men’s crown and claiming top-five place overall.

The duo – 19 and 23 years-old respectively – set aside various other offers from talented competitors to take on the 120kms race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban together, something they are looking forward to immensely.

“Alan had said he was keen to do Dusi with me a while back and then I had a few other offers too but in the end, I decided paddling with Alan would be the easiest option as far as training goes, etc. and I’m really looking forward to racing with him,” explained older brother Andrew.

“Alan won the Under-18 title at Dusi in 2015 and was lying 12th overall until Pumphouse (Rapid and Weir) which just goes to show what a talented paddler and runner he is. Also, when you race with someone it often becomes a bit like a job and when the race is over so is the partnership.

“Racing with my brother will be a massive bonding experience for us though and will be really special,” he added.

While the natural understanding of one another expected of a siblings’ pairing may be an advantage for the Houstons, the likelihood of a squabble between partners occurring would also seem greater.

For the Houstons though, a strong relationship out of the water has already led to a positive partnership on it.

“Most of the time we get along really well; if we’d been twins it may have been different,” laughed Andrew.

“One of the keys is accepting when you’re wrong and I think that is something we both are able to do quite well and I’m sure that will help us in the boat, come Dusi time.”

Despite the potential joy of winning the Under 23 category in 2016, a top five finish in such a competitive year would be the pair’s ideal achievement. “We’ve spoken about our goals and we’d definitely like to be in the top ten at least and a top five would be awesome.”

While the young pair’s rapid rise through the paddling ranks over the past 12 months will see them go into the 2016 FNB Dusi with a strong chance of achieving their goal, one of the strongest K2 fields in the recent history of the three-day race will make their task that much tougher.

‘It was competitive two years ago when I was paddling with Ivan (Kruger) but not that competitive; the gaps between boats were quite big.

“A lot of stars – like Ant Stott and Len Jenkins – have made a comeback since then though and this field will be really, really strong.”