Update 20-Apr-06

Julien and Luke finished the race in a time of 24:34:01, placing 33rd out of 115 starters. John and Mattias reached Old Windsor, a distance of 87 miles, before illness forced them to retire.

A full race report is available on Paddle Log.

The Race

The annual Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race, held over the Easter weekend, is one of the sporting calendar's ultimate endurance events.

Crews paddle double racing kayaks from Devizes in Wiltshire along the Kennet and Avon Canal to Reading. Here they join the Thames for the remainder of the race, finishing under Westminster Bridge beside the Houses of Parliament in central London, a total distance of 125 miles (200km). Non-stop.

The race is a challenge of gruelling physical and mental endurance for the crews, and military logistics for the support team, who must keep them fed and watered for the 24 hours it typically takes to complete the course.


The paddlers

In January 2006 four of us from Tower Hamlets Canoe Club were enjoying a couple of pints after a night paddle on the Thames when it emerged that doing the 'DW', as it is known to kayakers, was an ambition we all shared. Plans were made, training began and two crews were formed.

John Heslop [GBR] & Mattias Altin [SWE]
Julien Grouteau [FRA] & Luke Smallman [GBR/IRL]

You can follow our progress in detail on Luke's blog, Paddle Log.

The charity

Shadwell Basin is an outdoor activity centre in the East End of London. Its main aim is to promote the development of local children and young people by providing affordable access to water sports.

We aim to raise funds for Shadwell Basin's annual summer holiday programme which caters for up to 60 young people for 20 days. This engages young people into positive use of their summer time with programmes in canoeing and sailing leading to nationally accredited qualifications.

Please sponsor us to raise funds for Shadwell Basin by using this site and remember that, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Disclaimer: our club is affiliated to Shadwell Basin and has the use of certain facilities but is otherwise self funding and all sponsorship raised through this event will go towards Shadwell Basin's Summer Hoilday Programme.