THE crocodiles in the uMngeni River should not pose a threat to paddlers competing in the 14th edition of the Stihl Non-Stop Dusi canoe race on Friday.

Event organiser Ray de Vries said: "The crocs have not been caught. One of them, believed to be 2m long, went into the trap but the trap door did not close."

It is believed that all the recent activity has made them retreat into bushes during the day.

KwaZulu-Natal Ezemvelo Wildlife is monitoring the traps and believe they will catch the crocodiles after the race.

"We appeal to the public not to tamper with the traps."

De Vries said entries were "pouring in", the dams were full and there was lots of water in the river.

"You can imagine how welcome good water is when you are doing the whole three-day Hansa Powerade Dusi in one day!"

The first crew across the line will win R30000, making it one of the richest canoe races in SA.

The race will follow the traditional Dusi course from Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg to Blue Lagoon in Durban.