Statement from the DW Directors

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.

Entry Closing Date

The closing date for entries is 23:59 on Sunday 22nd March 2026 (Waterside D). There are no exceptions to this. Please bear in mind that the entry form requires a lot of information and can take 30 minutes or more to fill in. There is a guide to filling the form in that can be found on the entry page here.

There are a number of verification steps that we perform for every entry before we accept it – it would really help our processes and umpires if paddlers don’t leave it until after Waterside D to enter.

Conditions

Everyone will be relieved to see that conditions have eased considerably in the last few weeks. The flow rates on the Thames and lower canal have dropped to a level where paddlers should be able to get some decent training paddles in.

Looking at the medium range forecast, we are extremely hopeful that conditions for the race will be good – some flow to assist the paddlers but nothing too excessive.

We continue to assess and score the course as part of our risk management processes – at the current score we would not be implementing our Enhanced Screening Process. However, conditions can, and may change, so all paddlers are encouraged to build their familiarisation of the course over the next 2-3 weeks, and we strongly recommend that you have your support crews out with you on training paddles so they can build experience as well.

Senior Singles Support Crews

We have been made aware that there is an inconsistency between the rule book and website concerning the rules for Senior Singles support crews. We apologise for this error and any confusion caused by it.

For 2026, Senior Singles can be supported by 2 cars, but they are limited to 2 supporters who will be issued with arm bands at registration. At any portage or feeding point, only 1 supporter wearing an armband is allowed to provide direct support at, or near, the water’s edge. All other people associated with the paddler must keep well clear and not obstruct other crews. How paddlers split their 2 supporters or other ‘race followers’ between the cars is up to them.

Compulsory Kit

Every year, without fail, some paddlers turn up for their boat inspection with either the wrong compulsory kit, or bits missing. Please don’t let this be you this year. Read the handbook and make sure your kit complies (note that we stipulate a thermal bag, not blanket). There is an aide memoire on the back page of the handbook to make checking your kit easy.

The handbook can be found here.

If you don’t have the right kit, you will not be allowed to start. Most years you can buy certain items from the suppliers at Devizes, but they don’t carry exhaustive stocks.

Tideway Briefings

This year we will be hosting a number of on-line tideway briefings that will detail key aspects of the navigation routes, cut off times and safety measures in place. All paddlers will be expected to attend the briefing or watch the replays. Look out for an email with dates and times for these once entries have closed. All paddlers should also familiarise themselves with relevant parts of the Tideway Code, which can be found here.

Parking and Noise

This year we have not been able to secure free parking at the Wharf carpark in Devizes. You must buy a ticket (2 hours is usually plenty of time). Be aware that parking officers will be in attendance.

The DW Organisation works hard to support and engage with local communities along the course.

However, most years a lot of that good work is undone not by the paddlers, but by the behaviour of a minority of support crews.

It is reasonable to state that the 2 biggest causes of complaints about the DW comes from local residents who get upset by supporters’ inconsiderate parking down the course (all classes) and excessive noise in the small hours of the morning in residential areas (Senior Doubles). We ask that all crews urge their support crews to be mindful of this – it causes us a major headache in the weeks after the race and places jeopardy on the availability of some locations in future years.

The list of locks where supporter’s are not allowed to go has been largely caused by previous years’ support crew’s inconsiderate behaviour. Please don’t make us have to add to that list.