River conditions impact on races
April report by: Vicky Metcalfe
Many of our members were involved in the Easter weekend Devizes to Westminster journey that we undertake each year, and many will know of the outcome of the weekend… the race being cancelled midmorning on Saturday, due to increasing flow on the Thames in particular, but as it turned out, also on the Kennet and Avon Canal! In the end the race was stopped at Dreadnought, Reading, just as the paddlers went onto the Thames.
Extremely challenging conditions, on ground and on water made this a test of great determination and along with others of the race fraternity we now wait to see how certain aspects will be dealt with in the future.
Meanwhile the Race Group has moved back onto the water for Tuesday evening training, and we are back on the river at Pangbourne on Saturdays having had several sessions on the canal due to high river levels. We have held a Come N Try session and we currently have eight on the ‘Intro to racing boats’ course.
Members are looking forward to the summer races, the first in region is at Basingstoke on May 20th, here’s hoping for good weather!