FAQs

Can I use an SUP, Sit on Top, Ski or Inflatable kayak for DW?

No, these types of craft are prohibited from entering the race

How much training do I need to do?

For the non-stop race, you should be stable and comfortable in your boat by September, to ensure you can train throughout the winter months. We would expect 2-5 sessions per week on the water, and additional complementary training such as running, gym work etc.

The stages race can be done with slightly less training; however the more time you spend on the water, the more chance you have of completion.

We would recommend a minimum of 6 months training for any paddler contemplating DW.

Find out more in our advice section

What is the course record?

The Senior Doubles record of 15 hours and 34 minutes that was set in 1979 was finally broken in 2023 and now stands at 15 hours and 19 minutes

How long is the DW race?

The total race is 125 miles. The Senior Doubles Class race this non-stop, covering 54 miles on the Kennet and Avon Canal from Devizes to Reading, then 54 miles on the River Thames down to Teddington and finally the final 17 miles on the Tideway to Westminster.

The Stage Races (Junior Doubles, Veteran/Junior, Endeavour and Senior Singles) race over 4 days. Day 1 is Devizes to Newbury (34 miles), day 2 is Newbury to Marlow (36 miles), day 3 is Marlow to Teddington (38 miles) and day 4 is Teddington to Westminster (17 miles).

How hard is Devizes to Westminster?

The DW hasn’t earned the nickname ‘The Canoeist’s Everest’ for no reason. It is very strenuous and demanding in normal weather and water conditions, and in adverse conditions it can be extremely arduous and challenging.

What is the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe race?

The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe race (DW) is an ultra marathon that takes place every Easter weekend and is the longest non-stop canoe race in the world – it is often referred to as ‘The Canoeist’s Everest’. The first race was held in 1948 and with a few notable exceptions, has run every year since.

Find out about the race

How long does the Devizes to Westminster take?

Most paddlers will aim to complete the race in 22 to 24 hours. The fastest will finish in 16 hours, and the slowest might take over 30 hours.

What is the process to enter the DW?

You must complete the DW Entry Form. Once you have completed the form the DW Umpires will assess your competance and capability before you receive a confirmation email of your entry. If we need more information about the information you provide on the form we will contact you.

What are the paddling capabilities required to enter DW?

Senior and Veteran paddlers competing in the following classes: Senior Doubles, Senior Singles, Veteran-Junior or Endeavour will be required to confirm one of the following:

• Has completed DW within the last 3 races, OR:

• Is currently ranked in Marathon Divisions 1 - 5, OR:

• Is currently ranked in Marathon Divisions 6 - 9 AND have completed a marathon race greater than 20 miles.

Competitors unable to meet the above criteria (including international paddlers visiting the UK to compete in DW) will be required to provide endorsement by a qualified club coach that they are competent to compete in the race or GPS proof that the crew has paddled in excess of 30 miles (continuous) on similar water to DW (canal and open moving water), within 8 ½ hours.

Junior paddlers competing in the classes Junior, Veteran-Junior or Endeavour will require

the endorsement of a qualified Club Coach/Team Leader that the paddler:

• Is able to paddle 38 miles in 9 ½ hours, OR:

• Has paddled a minimum of 25 miles (continuous) or raced on similar water to DW (canal and open moving water) in last 3 months.

All statements of paddler ability will be reviewed by the DW Organisation. Competitors may be required to provide further proof or validation at the request of the Race Organisation prior to entry being confirmed.

Why does DW have tide windows at Teddington Lock?

Paddlers need to paddle the tideway from Teddington to Westminster on the ebb tide. The tide window is to allow the Senior Doubles crews some flexibility in their arrival time at Teddington so they can do this. Crews will set off from Devizes with a paddling schedule that should get them to Teddington within that window. The window allows crews to have some contingency in their schedule in case of unscheduled stops during their race.

The stage races have scheduled starts from Teddington on the Monday to ensure all boats paddle the tideway on the ebb tide.

Do I need a license to paddle the course, either in training or the actual race?

Yes. Membership of British Canoeing or Canoe Wales includes the necessary licenses for the course, but CANI and SCA do not. Members of those organisations will need to buy licenses for the canal and River Thames to race (available from Canal and Rivers Trust and Environment Agency). DW will provide help to overseas paddlers in obtaining course licenses.

When do DW Entries open and what is the closing date?

Entries will close at midnight on the Sunday 2 weeks before Easter (i.e. after Waterside D). No late entries will be accepted.

What are the age limitations for each class?

Seniors – minimum age of 18 years old on 1st January in the year of the race

Juniors – under 19 years old and over 15 years old on the 1st January in the year of the race

Veterans – over 35 years of age on the 1st of January in the year of the race

Are there limits on the number of entrants for each class?

DW undertakes continuous risk assessments for the race as a whole and for each class. Whilst there are no number restrictions currently in force for any class, DW reserves to right to impose restrictions based on a number of factors. The indicative maximum number of entrants for each class in such circumstances would be

Senior Doubles – 200 boats

Junior Doubles – 90 boats

Senior Singles – 70 boats

Veteran-Junior – 20 boats

Endeavour – 30 boats

What are the start times of each class for each day?

Senior Doubles must choose their start time from Devizes such that they arrive at Tedddington within the tide window. The earliest start time is 7am on Easter Saturday, although in some years this may be altered to 5am depending on the tide times at Teddington lock.

Stage races have allocated start times for each day. These are listed in the Rule Book. Download Rule Book

Stage Race- Can I store my boat at the campsites overnight?

Yes. All storage is in the open air and whilst DW has marshals patrolling the area, any boat left in the designated area is done so at the owner’s risk.