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INTRODUCTION
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| The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race starts in Devizes, Wiltshire and finishes just downstream of Westminster Bridge in London, opposite the Houses of Parliament. The race has been held annually over the Easter Weekend since 1948. |
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| The race is 125 miles long and has 77 portages. The first 52 miles are along the Kennet and Avon Canal, the next 55 miles are on the River Thames and the final section is on the tidal portion of the Thames. |
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| The race is a severe test of skill and stamina which produces a memorable sense of achievement for those successfully completing it. The non-stop version of the race is the longest non-stop canoe race in the world. |
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| Race Classes |
There are 5 classes within the event:
- Senior Doubles – crews of 2 adults who race non-stop from start to finish
- Senior Singles – adult single paddlers who compete over 4 days
- Junior Doubles – crews of 2 juniors who compete over 4 days
- Veteran / Junior – crews of 1 adult (over 35) and 1 junior who compete over 4 days
- Endeavour – a non-competitive doubles class held over 4 days
For more details on entry criteria, please see the relevant Class Rules. |
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| Boats |
| The race may be undertaken in kayaks or open canoes. If you are contemplating using an unusual boat and are unsure about its suitability or eligibility, please contact us. We recommend selecting a stable boat as water conditions on the final section of the race can be extremely challenging. |
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| Beginners |
| We recommend a minimum of 6 months training and preparation for the race. The best way to start is to find your nearest canoe club – preferably one that has people who know the race. You can find canoe clubs through the British Canoe Union website whose web address is on the Links page. If you have specific questions, please contact us. You will find further information on training in the Race Information section of this website. |
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| International Paddlers |
| We warmly welcome paddlers from overseas so if you need advice or assistance concerning the race, please contact us. |
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| Safety |
| DW is an extremely testing event which often takes place in cold and inclement weather. Because of the distance and effort required, paddlers inevitably become deeply fatigued. Given the length of the course, paddlers are out of sight of officials, support crews and spectators for the vast majority of the race. Consequently, it is the responsibility of all paddlers to ensure that they are fully trained and competent to deal with any capsizes or mishaps that may occur. Paddlers should devote every effort to familiarising themselves with the course, particularly hazards such as weir and lock layouts, road crossings and low bridges. It is also the responsibility of all paddlers to make their own assessment of their competence and fitness to undertake the race. |
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| Volunteering |
| DW is organised and run entirely by volunteers. If you can spare time, either in the run up to the event or over the race weekend, we would very much like to hear from you. Drop us an email. |
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CHARITY FUNDRAISING
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Many crews raise money for Charity by participating in the DW and we are delighted to encourage this with a prestigious trophy - the Pfeiffer Cup - which is awarded annually for the crew raising most money the previous year.
For DW2012, we are delighted to announce that our selected charity is the Canoe Foundation who have the goal of positively changing lives through canoeing. Take a look at the Canoe Foundation website to find out more about their work.
The DW Organisation is also pleased to recommend the Evelina Children's Hospital Appeal to any crew thinking of raising money. The Evelina Children's Hospital forms part of St Thomas's Hospital who are kind enough to allow us to use their grounds for the DW finish marquees. Details of their work can be found here. |
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RACE HISTORY
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| Click here to read the first chapter of Brian Greenaway’s book “The Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race” which explains the origins and evolution of the race over the last 60 years. The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the DW Organisation. We would like to thank the author for his kind permission to reproduce his work. |
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PADDLERS’ STORIES
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| Click on the following to read previous paddlers’ accounts of their experiences undertaking DW. If you have written up your own experiences of DW we would be glad to hear from you. |
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| Ray Rowe – Senior Singles – 2005 |
| Jan Carpenter – Senior Doubles in a Klepper – 2007 |
| Erika Henson and Camilla Lennon – Senior Doubles – 2008 |
| Lee Menday, Senior Doubles – 2008 |
| Benjamin Buckle – Senior Doubles C2 – 2008 |
| Luke Smallman – Senior Doubles – 2006 [opens in new window] |
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