Paddleboarders Make History in Devizes to Westminster Race

0:00On April 4th, stand-up paddleboarders are making history in the 125 mile devices to Westminster International canoe race for the first time ever. The four-day event kicked off on Friday while Hardcore folks tackled the 24-hour nonstop version starting Saturday morning. This classic challenge runs through canals and the Tim's, testing paddlers over rough terrain and locks. The race dates back to 1948, originally just for canoeists, but organizers hope adding paddleboarding draws in fresh crowds. Emily King, a 16-year vet of the sport, scouted the course last year and jumped at the new category. She calls it the ultimate paddle test down in Wiltshire. Paddlers face a mental grind over four days, juggling food, energy, and crew support. Kings even got her husband and 10-year-old son delivering, porridge and Easter eggs. This chair Paul Fielding says competitors portage around 77 locks, hauling boards out and running.

1:00Weather is always a wildcard, so they vet every entrance skills closely. Nonstop racers time their midnight starts to catch the best temps tides. Meanwhile, 36 junior crews are pushing through 35 miles a day, building insane resilience like no other event. Winners should cross the line by Easter Sunday and Monday, wrapping up another epic chapter in this paddle showdown.