Cokethorpe’s racing kayaking team impressively opened their season at the Waterside A race on Sunday, a demanding 22-kilometre endurance event that tests far more than stamina alone.
The race challenges paddlers not only to cover the distance on water, but also to complete 21 portages along the way. Competitors must repeatedly jump out of their boat, carry it at speed, relaunch, and continue racing. It is a true examination of physical strength, resilience, and determination.
Cokethorpe has enjoyed considerable success at this event in recent years, and this season’s team upheld that tradition.
Daisy (Fourth Form, Gscoigne) and Lottie (Fourth Form, Gscoigne) took on the race for the first time, finishing in an outstanding sub-three-hour time. Competing as the youngest girls in their category by several years, they delivered a performance marked by composure and grit.
Evie (Lower Sixth, Swift) and Ben (Fifth Form, Vanbrugh) returned to the course in excellent form. Racing with their trademark calm determination, they demonstrated a positive, stoic attitude throughout, achieving a significant improvement over last years.
Oli (Fifth Form, Swift) and Josh (Fifth Form, Swift) experienced a dramatic race reminiscent of last season, when boat damage slowed their progress late in the course. Despite facing a similar setback this year, they powered through to finish in a remarkable two hours and thirty-three minutes, maintaining an extraordinary pace.
Training for Waterside A forms an important part of the team’s preparation for the Devizes to Westminster race. Events such as this expose paddlers to real challenge, helping them to build resilience, sharpen decision-making, and learn to overcome obstacles under pressure. Kayak marathon racing is no ordinary sport; it is a searching test of both character and physical endurance.
The team were also proudly supported by their new sponsor, DSA Prospect, who have provided high-quality dry robes for winter training and race days. Already proving invaluable in the colder conditions, the dry robes are a welcome addition to the squad as they continue their preparations for the season ahead.
