Sunday witnessed a further outbreak of glorious spring weather and the first of our ‘Waterside’ kayaking events this year – races that provide a competitive outing for the Cranleigh School squad as they gear up for the annual Devizes-Westminster International Canoe Race (run over four consecutive days at Easter with 125 miles paddled).
This was the first racing opportunity of the year, following several flood-influenced postponements, for Cranleigh competitors to get away from Guildford’s river ‘the Wey’ and out to the Wiltshire-Berkshire stretch of the Kennet & Avon Canal. The race covered 13 miles and required a fair number of portages (running at full pace, carrying boats around obstacles like weirs and works) along with an unusual final touch this year; portaging boats through Newbury town centre – a route necessitated by the still-hazardous river conditions at the finishing point! All of our competitors completed the race in good order and especial mention must be made of the girls’ pair, Charlie Norton and Abi Dahl, who finished so impressively well. Congratulations, however, to all of our competitors.
Next up may be a Thames race next weekend (conditions permitting), and a return journey to Wiltshire for the 23 mile ‘Waterside C’ event the following week.
