Baloo and Fury
DW 2016 Splash
Fundraising for Youth Action Wiltshire
Story
Dear All,
Over Easter this year we will be competing in the Devizes to Westminster junior doubles kayaking race.
Archie MacColl and Rohan Bigham will be competing in one kayak (named Baloo), whilst Harry MacColl and Hector Hewett will be competing in another (named Fury).
The race is over 125 miles on the Kennet and Avon Canal/River Thames with 13 miles spent running with the kayak around the 77 locks, finishing under Westminster Bridge early on Easter Monday. The race starts from Devizes on Good Friday and over the following 3 1/2 days we paddle for circa 8 hours a day. On the last day, which starts at 3am to catch the appropriate tide, we paddle a shorter 4 hours from Teddington Lock to Westminster Bridge. The race has been held for over sixty years and we have been training 3 times a week since September 2015. To add to the challenge we have to sleep in tents overnight at Newbury, Marlow and Teddington, pitched by ourselves as well as cooking our own supper and breakfast. One of the main rules in that we receive no outside assistance.
It has been described as ‘the Kayaker’s Everest’ and a ‘112 race in a kayak combined with a half marathon’.
We are raising money for Splash Wiltshire:
Splash promotes inclusion and development through a programme of activities for young people aged 9-16 years in the school holidays, for the well being of the whole community. Providing positive, structured activities Splash aim to attract young people into positive and inspiring leisure activities and work towards developing self confidence and self belief in a fun and safe environment. Splash facilitate young people to recognise their own capabilities and empower them to make positive, safe choices going forward.
We have chosen this small charity because it is local to school and has been supported by Bear Grylls for a number of years, giving it a clear link to Outdoor Activities.
We have chosen this small charity because it is local to school and has been supported by Bear Grylls for a number of years, giving it a clear link to Outdoor Activities.
It would be fantastic if you were able to support the challenge; anything you can give would be massively appreciated.
Many thanks Archie, Harry and Rohan