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    DW Success for the Purple Paddlers

    Kimbolton paddlers finish second in schools’ team class of the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race.

    The ‘Purple Paddlers’ are back! Twelve students completed this year’s Devizes to Westminster (DW) Canoe Marathon over the Easter weekend, with Kimbolton building on their success in the Waterside series to finish second in the schools’ team class.

    Six Kimbolton crews, competing in two-person racing kayaks, completed three consecutive days of over 30 miles of paddling. The team camped overnight along the route and tackled a total of 77 portages – around which competitors must carry their boats before getting back on the water.

    The DW course usually runs from Devizes in Wiltshire along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Reading, where it continues along the River Thames to the finish at Westminster Bridge. Due to restrictions at Westminster, this year’s event (back after a two-year pause due to the covid pandemic) was shortened to 108 miles with the finish point at Teddington. However… to make their total distance up to the usual 125 miles, our hardy crews were back out on the water on Easter Monday for a bonus 17 mile paddle along the River Great Ouse in Huntingdon!

    Mr Jon Sweet, Head of Outdoor Pursuits, said: “The team finished elated, tired, emotional, battered, blistered and sun burnt! But it was all worth it. Thanks to the School community for all their messages of support, and to all the staff and parents involved for their time and effort."

    DW 2022 Results - Junior Doubles

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