Fresh from becoming a junior world champion, Maritzburg College paddler Keegan Vogt will have his sights firmly set on the 2027 Dusi Canoe Marathon as he looks to turn his growing international success into another step forward on the rivers of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Dusi has been an important part of Vogt’s paddling journey, with the youngster steadily improving across his three appearances in the iconic race. Having finished inside the overall top 20 on debut, claimed the U18 K1 title in his second year, and finished 10th overall in 2026, Vogt is now targeting a top 10 finish in the singles next February.

His latest Dusi performance included the fifth-fastest time on the third day with partner Ryley Smith, an indication of the progress he has made as he prepares to move beyond the junior ranks and take on some of South Africa’s established senior paddlers.

“I’m really excited about next year’s Dusi. After my three previous years, I’m looking forward to hopefully getting a top 10 finish in the singles,” Vogt said.

Among those he will be looking to measure himself against is the Dusi King Andy Birkett. Vogt acknowledges the challenge of competing against one of the sport’s greats but is relishing the opportunity.

“I’ve never really raced Andy because he’s always been so far ahead of me, but this year I hope I can try to stay with him for a little bit. If I can spend a few minutes with him, that will definitely be a huge excitement during my race.”

The build-up to the 2027 race will be an exciting one with Vogt taking time out next year to race competitively.

“I’ll also do as many of the Dusi pre-races as possible to build my knowledge of the river and learn the quickest lines. I’m not studying next year, which gives me plenty of time to spend on the river,” he mentioned.

Vogt heads into the 2027 Dusi with considerable international experience behind him following a breakthrough 2026 season. He claimed gold in the Junior Men’s K1 short-course race and silver in the long-course event at the Canoe Marathon World Championships in Argentina, finally achieving a world title after finishing fourth in 2024 and collecting silver and bronze medals in 2025.

He also enjoyed an outstanding Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Spain, winning junior mixed doubles gold alongside Hannah Solomon and silver in the junior men’s single ski.

“One of my biggest goals ever since I first raced overseas was to get a gold medal. I didn’t mind which race it was, as long as I got a gold,” he said.

“Knowing that I’d finally won after finishing fourth, second and third was a huge goal completed.”

The international success has given Vogt plenty of confidence as he prepares for the transition into under-23 and senior racing. He will spend the opening months of 2027 at a training camp in Mtunzini alongside Hamish Lovemore and international paddlers, focusing on developing his fitness and strength.

The Drak Challenge will be another important target, with Vogt aiming for a top-eight finish at one of his favourite river races before turning his attention fully to Dusi preparations. He also intends to compete in as many Dusi pre-races as possible to improve his knowledge of the river and identify the quickest lines.

With a junior world title behind him and three Dusi appearances already providing a solid foundation, Vogt will arrive at the start of the 2027 race with plenty of confidence and an ambitious target.

His international programme is also taking shape, with plans to compete in the prestigious Sella Descent in Spain before turning his attention to the World Championships in Denmark.

Making the South African team will be a significant challenge, particularly as he moves into a new age category, but it is one he is eager to embrace.

“Making the South African team this year is going to be hard because I’m very young in the age group and can only qualify through one race, but it’s something I’m definitely going to work towards.”

For a young paddler who has already made his mark on the international stage, the next challenge is to show just how far he has come on home waters.

The 76th Dusi Canoe Marathon takes place from 18-20 February 2027.