Actor and soap star Paul du Toit is swapping make-up, high heels and feather boas for a K1 canoe and paddles to take on The Unlimited Dusi canoe marathon. Du Toit is hot off the stage as Dr Frank-N-Furter in the recent run of The Rocky Horror Show in Durban and is looking forward to the challenge of this epic river race.
The self-proclaimed dedicated beach bum and surfer took up canoeing four years ago when he moved to Johannesburg to further his acting career. “I needed a water sport that matched the adrenaline rush, fitness and outdoors experience that I got from surfing. I find the gym incredibly boring by comparison. This will be my fourth Dusi and it is definitely the Comrades of canoeing. It really is a privilege to be a part of the legend and all it entails – the spectacular African scenery, the big rapids, the sense of adventure, the camaraderie between paddlers and facing up to the challenge of the river,” says Du Toit.
Du Toit is a well-known face on the big and small screen in South Africa and plays the role of Malan Koster in the hugely popular soap series Binneland and has also recently starred in the movies Semi Soet, Liefling and Skilpoppe. He also runs his own production company Fanagalo Films, which produces a travel, adventure and lifestyle show Rough or Smooth and Rof of Spog.
With the gruelling three-day race only two weeks away, Du Toit is trying to spend more time on the water, but admits to being worried about his training schedule. “I received great advice and help from the guys at Canoe Concepts and Innovate, but then the Christmas holidays interfered and I don’t know if the time I spent on a surfboard and stand-up paddle board will help much. At this stage I just hope to survive to the finish in a time that’s not completely embarrassing!” jokes Du Toit.
His preparation has not been without its mishaps. “I had a disastrous Drak, losing my boat, paddle, dignity and the ability to bend my right knee,” admits du Toit. He is currently undergoing treatment, but is making progress.
However, he is ready to challenge the other celebrities participating in The Unlimited Dusi, who will be paddling in the charity batch to raise funds and awareness for the race charities such as early childhood development agency The Unlimited Child. “I won’t mind losing against Unathi (Idols judge and radio presenter) as she’s really sweet – although paddling with Oscar Chalupsky might be giving her an unfair advantage. But I don’t know if my ego could cope with being beaten by Damon Beard (East Coast Radio).”
The Unlimited Dusi canoe marathon takes place from 14-16 February. Follow your favourite celebrity on www.dusi.co.za. Live race updates on Paul’s progress will be posted on twitter @Paul _Rough as well as on his Facebook page
URL: http://www.dusi.co.za
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Author: Ronelda Visser from Peridot Communications. Originally distributed by MyPR.co.za.
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SOAP ON THE WATER – Soap star and actor Paul du Toit will join thousands of paddlers when The Unlimited Dusi canoe marathon sets off on 14 February. Du Toit will form part of the charity batch, which raise awareness and funds for the official race charities. Photographer: Mike van Heerden
