Oliver
DW was a fantastic experience, and one that will stay with me. Last year, when I had just started kayaking, I was drawn to the idea of navigating the Thames, despite having very little experience. I wanted to take part again this year to improve on my previous time and to experience the race with a better understanding of what it involves.
At the start line, I felt more confident, knowing I had it in me to finish it. Even so, each day still demanded a lot from us. The frequent portages along the Kennet and Avon Canal were a real challenge, especially towards the end of the day.
A real highlight of the race is the sense of community. Crews encourage and support each other both on and off the water, particularly when someone is struggling. Friendships are easily formed and often last well beyond the race. Despite how demanding it is, there was always a sense of cheerfulness in the campsite, with crews sharing stories from the day, including a particularly notorious swan that nearly capsized several boats.
Placing highly was not our initial aim, so it came as a shock when we recorded the fourth fastest time on the second day. Although unexpected, it was immensely satisfying to see that the effort we had put in had paid off.
I would thoroughly recommend DW to anyone who is even slightly interested. There is a real sense of achievement in completing it, and it shows you what can be achieved with enough grit and perseverance.
Elliot
I signed up for DW to push myself. I had unfinished business from last year and wanted to come back and prove that I could finish it strongly.
Long days on the water were tough, but the hardest moment came on the freezing morning of day four at 3.30am, when I realised I had left my shoes outside overnight and had to force my feet into ice-cold shoes before racing.
One of the best moments, though, was finishing day two as the first boat in, after spending the entire day overtaking crews and moving from 15th to 7th place.
What surprised me most was how beautiful it all felt. Thirty-six small boats spread out along the Thames, before everyone came back together at the campsite each night to recover and do it all again the next day.
However hard it was, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to do something unforgettable over the Easter holidays. It is one of the hardest things I have done, but also one of the most rewarding, and finishing it is something I will always be proud of.
