DW 2026 Entry list revealed
The 2026 Devizes to Westminster start list has been revealed!
Yes, you can now see who is entering this year’s race, and we can’t wait for it all to get underway in less than a week’s time.
In addition, the DW Directors have issued one final statement ahead of the race which you can read below.
As part of our communication plans, the DW Directors will be providing regular updates on multiple aspects of the 2026 DW leading up to the race weekend. These will be in addition to the other communications to paddlers, supporters and team leaders provided by members of the DW Organisation Team.
Race Communications
We will be using multiple communication channels in the lead up and during the race. Please look out for them as they could contain vital information that impact the race. Our communications will comprise of the following methods:
Facebook – posts of information and advice that might be of interest to paddlers. These will be posted on the official DW FB page, and will be shared to the unofficial one as well.
Email – key information to paddlers, support crews and team leaders will be sent to the email addresses supplied on the entry form.
DW Bulletin Board – this is now live on the website here. We will use this in parallel with emails to paddlers before the race, but also for key information and updates during the race. This is the source of all key information – paddlers should check this page daily before the race and support crews should check this page regularly during the race.
SMS – this will be used to send urgent messages to support crews and paddlers during the race. We recognise that paddlers may not access these immediately and therefore it is necessary that support crews have their phones with them at all times. SMS will only be used for important and vital information. We will check at registration that the phone numbers we have on record are correct.
Marshals and Officials – paddlers and support crews need to listen to instructions and any information given to them by DW officials along the course.
DW Race Control will be active all the hours that boats are on the water. Support crews and paddlers must call in any incident, no matter how serious, to Race Control on 01189 661333.
Conditions
Flow rates on the Thames have leveled off to reasonable volumes and currently there are only 2 yellow ‘stream decreasing’ warnings showing (Reading to Sonning and Shepperton to Sunbury). The weather forecast is fair with no predicted storms or gales, but potentially a cold night (and mornings for the Stages). The moon rises on Saturday night around 23:00 with a 96% illumination figure, but it is low in the sky so that will decrease the light levels considerably. Based on these conditions we are not planning to introduce the Enhanced Screening Process for crews.
Senior Doubles Start Times
All Senior Doubles crews have been asked to fill in a Google Form so we know their anticipated start times. This is so we can plan resources accordingly at Devizes to ensure everyone has a smooth boat check and registration process. You will not be held to these times. Remember, if you want an early or late start, you must let us know. For late starting crews, note that registration closes at 14:00.
Even if you want to start at 17:00, you have to check in and register by 14:00.
The link to the Google Form (already sent out in an email) is here.
Massage Services
Sports massage services will be available to paddlers (and support crews!) at Devizes on Friday morning from 06:00 and Saturday all day from 07:30. They will also be available at the campsites at the end of each Stage day. Please note that cash payments are required and it’s £10 for 15 minutes.
Tideway Briefings
This year we are introducing online briefings, in advance of the race, focusing on the tideway section of the course. We have found that participants rarely train on the tidal Thames and often find it an unfamiliar and daunting part of the race. There are some specific navigation rules that all paddlers need to be aware of, which will be discussed in the tideway briefing.
A live briefing will be delivered by Tom Sharpe on Zoom at the following times:
Stages: Monday 30th March at 19:00
Senior Doubles: Monday 30th March at 20:00
DW Tideway Briefing Zoom Meeting Details:
Zoom Meeting Link
Meeting ID: 317 291 6141
Passcode: 19482021
The Zoom meeting will be recorded and made available to anyone who was not able to attend. The information contained in this briefing is important, and therefore this is a mandatory requirement for anyone racing this year. All participants will be required to confirm that they have either watched the recording or attended the live briefing when they check in at Devizes.
Good Luck and Final Message
As this is our final Director’s statement before race weekend, we would like to take a moment to thank everyone involved in making this year’s DW possible. To all paddlers, support crews, officials, marshals, volunteers and supporters — your commitment, preparation and teamwork are what make this event so special year after year.
You have put in the training, planning and effort required to take on a demanding and rewarding challenge. We ask that you look after yourselves and each other, follow the guidance provided through official channels, and listen carefully to instructions from Race Control, marshals and officials throughout the event.
We wish you all the very best of luck for the weekend. Paddle hard, paddle smart, and enjoy the experience. We look forward to seeing you on the water.
The Directors