Underberg – Ace paddler Len Jenkins has confirmed his entry for the Hansa Powerade Drakensberg Challenge this weekend, and in the process aims to put his paddling year back on track by regaining the title he won two years ago.

Jenkins has put his disastrous Hansa Powerade Dusi experience behind him, and both he and his Dusi partner Michael Mbanjwa have entered this years Drak Challenge.

Jenkins has settled into an engineering job in Dundee, and is eager to enjoy the clean waters and unique vibe that the two day event on the Umzimkulu river through Underberg offers. But he is also expecting a titanic struggle with the on-form Hank McGregor.

“Off the water we are good mates”, said Jenkins of his relationship with McGregor. “But on the water, I know that the race will be very tough, which is the way we both like it.”

Jenkins is still in good form, after a near perfect build-up to his unlucky Dusi, and then contesting the podium places in the Hansa Umkomaas marathon with a jaded Mbanjwa, who had not recovered from the arduous non-stop Dusi just a week before.

“We will see how it goes”, said Jenkins whimsically. “I have won it before, but like all river races you need a little bit of luck on your side”, he added. Jenkins won the race in 2004, when it doubled as the SA K1 River Championships, finishing six minutes clear of Sven Bruss and Shaun Biggs.

Jenkins and Mbanjwa were uncertain of their immediate paddling plans following their dramatic departure from the Dusi in which they smashed their K2 in Ibis Point rapid, after straying off line in Willem’s Chute on the second day, when they were leading in a new record time.

A despondent Jenkins said after completing the second stage that he was ready to hang up his paddles. However he shelved his disappointment and finished the race, earning him much respect from the paddling community. His decision to tackle the Drak Challenge reinforces his belief in his own ability, and ability to confine the Dusi accident to the history books.

Amongst the top class paddlers to have lodged their entries with the race office in Underberg are Michael Mbanjwa, Loveday Zondi, Graham Bird, and Brett Bartho, with several other top contenders due to post late entries this week.

Late entries are still being taken for the race. Details can be found at www.canoesa.org.za/DrakChallenge