Person kayaking in murky water, wearing a life vest.

Devizes to Westminster International
Canoe Race

Advice

Photo: Guy Dresser

Group of four people kayaking on a narrow waterway with boats and houses along the bank, trees, and a blue sky in the background.

Photo: Guy Dresser

Tip #1

If not a regular paddler with a club, get in touch with the nearest racing club to you, check on the Paddle UK website to find out more.

Two people paddleboarding on a calm water body, wearing life jackets and sunglasses, with trees in the background and a misty atmosphere.

Photo: Jill Priday

Tip #2

Most paddlers do a minimum of 6 months training for the DW.

Group of people preparing to launch kayaks into the water from a concrete dock, with some people in the water, wearing life jackets and outdoor gear.

Photo: Guy Dresser

Tip #3

Find a boat that you can paddle comfortably for long periods, particularly when you are tired.

Two men in a kayak on a body of water, both holding paddles and looking towards the camera.

Photo: Guy Dresser

Tip #4

Senior doubles crews should do some training sessions at night

Boats moored along a calm river with a stone bridge and trees in the background.

Photo: Guy Dresser

Tip #5

Get to know as much of the course as possible, ideally by paddling it.

A woman in a wetsuit climbs out of a body of water onto a concrete embankment, with her canoe and fishing gear laid out nearby.

Photo: Jack Prosser

Tip #6

Plan your nutrition for the race and test it out over several training sesions.

Two people carrying long canoes on a dock by a body of water, with a person in the background on the water and trees in the distance.

Photo: Guy Dresser

Tip #7

Practice portaging

Five people kayaking on a calm body of water during daytime.

Photo: Stefan Senk

Tip #8

Consider entering some of the Waterside Series and Thameside races.

A man with a beard, wearing glasses, a cap with swimming symbols, and a jacket, is resting on a boat with a shoreline behind him. He is holding a small object near his mouth, possibly a cigarette or pipe.

Photo: Jack Prosser

Tip #9

Training should include general fitness as well as paddling

A man kayaking on a river with a houseboat on the water behind him and trees along the bank

Photo: Guy Dresser

Tip #10

Paddling technique training is as important as endurance training. There are videos on YouTube and racing canoe clubs will have coaches who can help and advise.

Four female runners standing together near a river, smiling with a cityscape backdrop, wearing athletic gear and carrying hydration packs.

Photo: Guy Dresser

Tip #11

Support crews play a vital role for paddlers during the race so it is worth identifying team members early and training with them on multiple occasions before Easter. They not only need to know the route to drive, but where to park for the locks and the best way to manage the paddlers’ health and wellbeing throughout the race.

Join The DW community

There is a vibrant and very active DW community on Facebook with many members always willing to offer advice

DW would always recommend that you wear a buoyancy aid, carry emergency equipment and a mobile phone when training. You must ensure that you have the relevant license for the water you are paddling on.