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 Marsport 
• There is NO substitute for training in a boat.