Underberg - U23 marathon world champion Grant van der Walt is making no bones about his desire to win the SA K1 river marathon title on the Global Trader Drakensberg Challenge canoe marathon on 27 and 28 February.

The former Parktown schoolboy who is now studying in Durban is also eager to erase the nightmare of the first stage of last years race when he broke a paddle in the tough Black Murray rapid, effectively ending his title challenge.

While Van der Walt won three national K1 titles as a junior, and has a senior single ski title to his credit, he is adamant about making an indelible mark on the national canoeing scene by winning the national senior K1 river crown on a stretch of river that he likes and knows well.

Grant Van Der Walt wrestles with Heaven and Hell rapid en route to his third place in the 2009 Drakensberg Challenge canoe marathon (Jon Vellacot/Gameplan media).

"The SA K1 title is definitely an issue on my agenda," said Van der Walt, who recently stepped down from the national sprint squad due to conflicts with his studies and restrictions on his participation in other paddling events.

In last years race Van der Walt tumbled down the leaderboard after breaking his paddle, and soldiering on with a junior-sized Guppy paddle borrowed from spectators on the bank at Black Murray. However on the second stage he raced alone and closed in a massive amount of time on race leaders Ant Stott and Len Jenkins, posting a final stage time that was a full two minutes after than any other paddler in the race.

"I was very encouraged by my second stage performance last year, and it helped to give me an idea of what you have to do to win this race. You cant wait to reaction, you have to plan to attack - action over reaction," he said.

"It is critical to stay in contact on day one and not make any mistakes, especially through the Valley of a Thousand rapids," said Van Der Walt. "Day two is different. You need to have some gas in the tank because there are plenty of places where you can attack."

"Sure my race last year might have been different if I hadn't broke my paddle on Day One. But that's river racing. You can't take a 'should have, would have, could have' view on any race," he said.

Van der Walt has another advantage going into the race, as he did not take part in the Hansa Powerade Dusi, which often leaves paddlers struggling to regain their form for weeks after the event.

"My younger brother Brandon is also committed to doing the GT Drak, but he just can't get going after the Dusi," he said.

"I wouldn't miss this race for anything. It is my favourite race of the year," said Van der Walt. "Everyone I talk to is heading for Underberg that weekend. Hey, it is the 'Drak'!" he added.

The Global Trader Drakensberg Challenge takes place in Underberg on 27 and 28 February. More information can be found at www.drak.co.za

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