Lord Wandsworth College Dominates International Canoe Race
A third of the boats taking part in this year’s Junior Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race were fielded by Lord Wandsworth College, securing an array of top finishes.
A total of 24 Sixth Form students and two members of staff took part in the 118-mile race from Devizes in Wiltshire to Barn Elms Boathouse above Putney Bridge over Easter weekend.
The gruelling course also required competitors to navigate 77 portages by carrying their boats between waterways.
Three LWC boats were among the first ten to complete the course, with six ranking in the top 15.The college came second in the Mixed Class and third in the Girls’ event. There was also success for Technical Coach, Mike Rees-Clark who finished third in the Senior K1 Class.
The LWC Marathon Canoeing Squad has so far raised over £11,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK by completing the race, dubbed the ‘Everest of Canoeing’. The paddlers chose to fundraise for the charity, following a much-loved college matron being diagnosed with the condition.
'The high number of LWC boats taking part in this event is a reflection of the strong support the programme receives across the LWC community,' reflected Head of Marathon Canoeing at the College, Adam Reid.
'DW is very much at the heart of who we are at LWC – encouraging character and adventure in everything that we do. It felt in some ways as though the whole school was crossing the finish line with us.'
The canoeists have been training for the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race for the past seven months, with a typical week consisting of three gym sessions and two or three lengthy paddles.
'This is a sport growing in profile,' continued Mr Reid.
'It’s emerging as a must-do challenge. As educators, we spend much of our time affirming our young people and telling them how amazing they are. This allows them to prove it to themselves.'
April 2026