Paddleboarders make debut in 125-mile canoe race
BBCStand-up paddleboarders are competing in a 125-mile (201 km) annual canoe race for the first time this year.
The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race got under way on Friday, with those paddling over four days taking to the water, while the 24-hour non-stop race started on Saturday morning.
Emily King is a stand-up paddleboarder who helped test the course last year and decided to enter the new category for 2026. She said: "I've been doing it for 16 years. It's the pinnacle of paddling to come down to Wiltshire."
The event started in 1948 for canoeists, but it is hoped that having a paddleboarding category will bring more people to the race in the future.
"Paddle sport is for everybody, and it's great that we can start to attend their events and they can start to attend our events," King said.
The paddleboarders will be doing it over four days, which she called a "mind game, as with all 'ultras'".
Food and energy levels have to be managed, and a supportive crew. She added that her husband and 10-year-old son will be popping by with porridge and Easter eggs.
Chair of the race, Paul Fielden, explained that competitors have to get around 77 canal locks, getting their vessels out of the water and running with them, before getting back in.
He said weather plays a big part in the organisation of the event: "We are always nervous of conditions. We look at the capability of every paddler and make sure they're competent enough to paddle."
He added that of the non-stop competitors, some went immediately after midnight to be able to make best use of tides along the Thames when they switch to the river.
Thirty-six junior crews are involved this year, Gareth Scragg is managing them and said it "tests children in a way that no other event does".
He explained that a lot of resilience is needed to cover 35 miles a day over four days.
Winners are expected to be announced on Easter Sunday and Monday.
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