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Young people paddling at Devizes Canoe Club

#DevizesPaddleFest 2026

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Try paddlesport, meet Devizes Canoe Club, and discover the excitement of the ThruDark Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race!

#DevizesPaddleFestival Good Friday 3 April 2026 at Devizes Wharf

Who is this event for?
#DevizesPaddleFest is open to all young people. Sessions start from 12:15 pm at Devizes Wharf and will consist of three x 40-minute paddling sessions on the water. Subject to numbers, we will run groups for 8-11s, 12-14s and 15-18s with three sessions for each group.

The event will be hosted by Devizes Canoe Club (DCC). You must register in advance to take part.

Our PaddleFest Team will be there all afternoon to talk about the club and the support available for young people.

Event timetable (Friday 3 April 2026). Please arrive at least five minutes before your reception time.

1. Junior Adventurer (8-11 years old)
• Session 1. JA1 Reception 12:40
• Session 2: JA2 Reception 13:40
• Session 3: JA3 Reception 14:25

2. Kayak Try out (12-14 years old)
• Session 1: KT1 Reception 12:25
• Session 2: KT2 Reception 13:35
• Session 3: KT3 Reception 14:55

3. Paddle Pro Group 15-18 years old + any parents
• Session 1: PP1 Reception 12:45
• Session 2: PP2 Reception 13:45
• Session 3: PP3 Reception 15:00

4. Ergo Challenge. Throughout the afternoon, we will have land-based kayak ergometer trainers available, as well as a running competition for the fastest time in all age groups. The prize (for junior paddlers only) is a 50% discount on the first year’s club membership, should you choose to join DCC in 2026!

What should I wear?

For paddling in the UK at Easter in early April, air temperatures are generally mild, but water temperatures remain very cold. We advise a thermal base layer and a lightweight, synthetic windproof top. Trainers are ideal footwear and synthetic layers that wick moisture. Try to avoid cotton entirely.
We will provide any specialist kit required, including a buoyancy aid.

Further information

Tea and coffee will be available for purchase in the wharf car park and locally at The Black Dog Café, Couch Lane, Devizes, SN10 1EB.
If you have any accessibility needs, please contact info@devizescanoeclub.co.uk so we can support you and make adjustments where needed.