News

After several months of training and preparation which started way back in 2014, the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race has finally come to an end for our two Leading Cadets Marland and Elliott.

Despite experiencing all four seasons in as many days, stomach upset, hypothermia, cramp, dive bombed by geese, attacked by swans, late nights and early mornings they both came through to finish the 125 mile journey in a very respectable time of 25hrs 51 minutes.

Day 1 Devizes to Newbury 33.65 miles
Day 2 Newbury to Marlow 36.57 miles
Day 3 Marlow to Teddington 37.06 miles
Day 4 Teddington to Westminster 17.06 miles

Each day, following a gruelling day of paddling both cadets then had to pitch their tent and cook their own meals before they could get some rest and finally sleep.

In the morning reversing the process by cooking their own breakfast and packing everything away before setting off on another days paddling.

Along the 125 mile journey they were followed by a support crew of 5, feeding and watering them at 30+ stages along the way.

A huge thank you must go to the Solihull Canoe Club for their help and support along the way

The Webber family for travelling down on the Friday to give moral support.

Last but not least their team manager Phil Higley for his help, training and guidance along the whole DW experience.

Leading Cadets Marland and Elliott took part in the last practice race prior to the 125 mile Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race.

The picture shows them well on their way to completing the 34 mile course between Devizes and Newbury.

This included 34 locks to be navigated around and took them 7.5 hours in total.

This is just a quarter of what they will do over the Easter weekend.

A lot of crews never completed the race, but well done to both for a fantastic result.

Only one more practice session before the big day.

More success to report for Shirley Unit from today's Drill & Piping Competition, held at HMS Raleigh, Plymouth.