Perseverant Paddling

Just days away from the race described as the ‘canoeist’s Everest’, LWC Upper Sixth Former and marathon canoe captain, Matthew looks ahead to the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race.

 

18 LWC Sixth Formers will take part in the longest non-stop canoe race in the world, taking place over the Easter weekend.

 

The challenge? To travel 118 miles of the 125-mile course from the Wiltshire town of Devizes, to Westminster Bridge in Central London.

 

It’s a gruelling race, demanding physical and mental strength, which requires a great deal of preparation, as Matthew explains:

 

“We’ve had a busy and successful season as a team.

 

Highlights have included winning the National Schools Team Trophy for a second year in a row. But a more recent milestone has impressed me the most. In the last few weeks, the team camped overnight and then took part in the Waterside C Race.  This is a gruelling 24-mile paddle and the furthest so far. Seeing the team take on such a challenge, with determination and fearlessness proved just how hard we have all worked through the freezing winter training, developing not only our physical endurance, but also the mental attitude needed to complete such a challenge.

 

Individual achievement is a significant part of marathon canoeing and I have seen this first-hand as I’ve watched the Lower Sixth Form paddlers. Each of them have gone from barely keeping the boat upright, to tackling distances that they would have never imagined. It has been even more rewarding to watch this progression as one of the captains of the team (alongside Freya) and being able to relate to their experiences. Marathon canoe training is never easy and Waterside C illustrated this. Despite beating my time from last year by 20 minutes, this event still tested myself and the rest of the team – especially those doing it for the first time.

   

There were many times where I questioned if I was going to finish the race, but Kyle and I still finished in the top ten of the Junior Doubles (alongside two other LWC boats). A huge well done to everyone for completing the race and especially to Dan and Freya for breaking the school record for Mixed Doubles! I would also like to give a special mention to Josh in Lower Sixth, who finished the race with Mr Bullion, after his partner pulled out through injury; a perfect showcase of the perseverance that marathon canoeing demands.

 

We turn our attention now to the Devizes to Westminster, admittedly with some nerves. A key difference in our training this year, has been that we have focused on training on the Thames and practising on moving water. Last year, the race was shortened to only two days because none of the schools had managed to do any Thames training. Most of the Lower Sixth boats (including me), had to stop after the first day because river flows were dangerously high. This was a large factor in my decision to try again.

 

With more Thames experience this year and good weather, it is looking increasingly likely that we will manage to do all four days. As we wrap up training, there is no doubt that Easter will be an incredible event for both the team and the individuals within it. From the boats looking to compete for podium positions, to those who just want to cross the finish line.”

 

LWC’s marathon canoeists have chosen to raise money for Surfers Against Sewage as part of their Devizes to Westminster Challenge. You can sponsor them here.