Entry forms for 2005 are now available.

To place an entry, print out an application form and send it to:

 

Belinda Blackwell

DW Competition secretary,
Wokingham Waterside Centre,
Thames Valley Park Drive,
Earley,
Reading,
RG6 1PQ

(The form is in PDF format, You may need Adobe Acrobat to display the form.

Get Acrobat Reader to view this file)

Categories:

Senior Doubles

• Men's, Ladies and Mixed.
• Entrants must be 18 years or over on the 1st January of race year.
• Non stop event.

DW Endeavour - Senior Doubles

• As above but over four fixed stages.
• No times recorded
• Campsites available if required

Senior Singles

• Men's or Ladies.
• Entrants must be 18 years or over on the 1st January of race year.
• Raced over four fixed stages.

Junior Doubles

• Men's, ladies or Mixed.
• Entrants must be under 19 years and not less than 15 years on the 1st January of race year.
• Raced over four fixed stages.
• Competitors accommodation provided.

Veteran/Junior:

• Veterans, Men's, Ladies or mixed.
• 1 Veteran and 1 Junior.
• Veterans must be over 35 years and Juniors must be under 19 years and over 15 years on the 1st January of race year.
• This category races over four fixed stages.

Training

• If possible join a club and learn good paddling technique.
• The more training you do the easier the race.
• So, get in a boat and paddle.
• Get in a boat and paddle further!
• Get in a boat and paddle faster!!
• Get in a boat and paddle further, faster!!!
• Build up distance, then distance with speed, over a period of time
• It is not usually necessary to do more than 35 miles in a session.
• Intersperse longer paddles with short sessions working on speed and technique.
• Practise getting in and out of the boat quickly and smoothly.
• Practise running whilst carrying the boat.
• Now put the last two points together and practise 'portaging'
• Incorporate some, if not all, of the pre-Easter races into your training schedule
• Remember senior doubles paddle through the night, so night training is an idea!
• Organise your support crew so that they know their bankside route and also understand your schedule and anticipated speed.
• Involve them in the longer training sessions.
• Get them to keep records of distance over time.
• Paddle the course.
• If you haven't got the opportunity to paddle then run
• If you can't run then ride a bike.
• Talk to past competitors and gain as much information as you can. Brian Greenaway's book 'The Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race' is a valuable source of information written by a man who has paddled the race many times between 1965 and 2000 (See Merchandise)
• First timers might like to attend one of the DW seminars run by Paul and Cherry from Marsport Ltd. Contact 0118 966 5912 for more information.
• There is NO substitute for training in a boat.

Equipment

• Boat - one or two man kayak or canoe.
• Paddles - plus at least one spare per paddler.
• Buoyancy aid to British Canoe Union regulations.
• Spraydeck(s)
• Headgear, for protection against the elements.
• Paddling cagoule - must be windproof.
• At least one full layer of thermal wear.
• Nylon trousers eg. Ron Hills.
• Footwear with a studded sole eg. hockey boots.
• Spares for the boat including repair tape. (Learn how to use them.)
• Drinks system.
• First aid kit.
• Change of paddling wear.
• Extra layers for cold weather.
• Food and drink
• Torch / Lightstick for Senior Doubles
• Clothes to change into at the 'finish'