Over the Easter weekend, while most people were tucking into chocolate eggs or enjoying a lazy long weekend, Banbury Canoe Club’s Joe Petersen was paddling his way through one of the most grueling endurance events on the planet — the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race (DW). And not just paddling it… finishing second!
Teaming up with Brynde Kreft from Oxford’s Falcon Canoe Club, Joe took on the legendary 125-mile course that winds from the quaint market town of Devizes in Wiltshire all the way to Westminster in the heart of London — 125 miles and 77 locks. The Senior Doubles class, which Joe and Brynde competed in, is a non-stop time trial that demands not just strength and stamina, but also strategy.
Racers choose their start time carefully to hit the tidal Thames at just the right moment — and 2025’s race came down to the wire. Just a few minutes separated the top three boats as they entered the tideway, with Tom Sharpe and Anoushka Freeman ultimately taking the win in 17 hours, 17 minutes, and 23 seconds.
Joe and Brynde weren’t far behind, powering through in 17 hours, 21 minutes, and 27 seconds to secure second place.
Reflecting on the race, Joe said, “Our race went pretty much to plan with very few delays or mishaps. We started at a measured pace, sticking to what felt right for us, and then seeing how we were doing compared to others at Shepperton Lock. We were told it was close there, so went for it into the horrible headwind.”
By the time they hit Richmond, exhaustion had fully set in — but they kept going. “We were both so proud and content with our race once finished — just happy it was over!” he added with a laugh. “Our support crew was fantastic and always kept the boat moving — our kit change at Hungerford took less than 80 seconds!”
In true testament to endurance, Brynde was reportedly unwell after Chertsey — but pushed through regardless. “She did amazing to keep going after that,” Joe said.
If you want to find out more about Banbury & District Canoe Club, come and join us on Bank Holiday Monday (5th May) for our Open Day where you will be able to have a try at kayaking and canoeing and meet lots of our members who can tell you more about our club and sport.
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