Devizes to Westminster

Training throughout the autumn and winter took place on often cold, wet and windy Sunday mornings. High levels of rain meant that several of the usual build-up races were cancelled or postponed, but the team of 29 paddlers and four coaches were not deterred and paddling speed, technique and endurance levels all continued to improve. Parents joined the programme as support crews, adding greater efficiency to the replenishment of the crews’ energy levels, water bottles and enthusiasm, as we continued to build momentum towards the race itself.

It was therefore a huge blow and disappointment to learn, on the evening of Saturday 14 March that due to the coronavirus outbreak the 2020 race had been cancelled. Despite this hefty blow to morale the crews were delighted to be able to take to the Kennet and Avon Canal the following morning and compete in the Waterside Series Race C (23 miles, one long tunnel and 35 portages). Amongst a large field of junior and senior boats all of our crews paddled really well and certainly enjoyed the sense of achievement at having competed in a reasonably long and challenging race. Although not able to achieve their main goal for the season, we are all extremely proud of how the squad has progressed from novice paddlers to slick racing machines. Long gone are the days of tired muscles and frequent capsizes, replaced now by smooth technique, smiling faces and the ability to keep paddling and portaging for hours and hours. In spite of the frustrations with the race cancellation, the journey has been so worthwhile for all the young paddlers, and the coaching team are immensely proud of the whole squad.

“the squad has progressed from novice paddlers to slick racing machines”