The South African women's river marathon champion had a good year in 2014. She won several major river marathon titles, with only the Dusi Canoe Marathon crown still eluding.

She wants to start the year well this weekend.

"I really want to give Drak a good go. I have been training hard and I'm hoping my river knowledge will help me," said Adie.

The athlete from the Kayak Centre/Natal Canoe Club, brings some good from to the Mzimkhulu River. She powered home to a comfortable victory in the Fast Drak on 30 December. She finished over twenty minutes ahead of second placed Jenna Ward.

Despite winning in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014, Adie has been made to work by fellow local river marathon athlete Robyn Kime -- who broke Adie's run with a victory in 2012. Kime will not be in action this year as she is competing internationally.

Ward, Laura O'Donoghue and Hilary Bruss (Race Food/Pepto Sport) are the three others competing for a podium spot. The youngsters Jordan and Cana Peek, Tamika Haw and Lauren Felgate will want to make their mark.

Adie have added motivation to impress as this is the first major of the year. The Drak Challenge also doubles as the first leg of the 2015 ICF World Series.

The global series is a collection of the most popular river marathons around the world, one that Bruss claimed the overall spoils in 2011.

A strong performance in Underberg will earn Adie some valuable points towards this year's tally.

The 22nd edition of the Drak Challenge takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

Should the water levels allow, stage one starts just above Castleburn Bridge and finishes at the Swartberg Bridge. Sunday's second stage will start at Early Mists Farm close to Coleford.