SUP & Relay classes join the 2025 DW bill

Two new classes will be added to the 2025 Devizes to Westminster International Canoe race, with the SUP and Relay classes joining the bill for next year’s event.

A Relay trial was opened last year, but given the short space of time, no crews opted to tackle the class in 2024, although there was plenty of interest in it for future editions. As such, the class will be present for the 2025 race.

The Relay class is primarily in place for crews that want to experience the overnight race but don't feel that they would be able to manage the full 125 miles. This means that they can team up with another doubles crew and enter a relay team - 2 x K2, 2 x C2 or a K2 and a C2.

This would be a good way for paddlers to understand what the overnight race entails in preparation for a Senior Doubles entry in 2026.

But the Relay class isn’t the only new addition to DW for 2025, with the SUP class being added to the Stages Race next year. This class is open to single SUP’s and has already generated a lot of interest in the SUP community.

The DW is pleased to welcome this growing discipline into the DW family.

Along with the relay, this will also be a trial event and the rules for the SUP's will closely mirror the existing Senior Singles rules.

For 2025 we are only allowing hard shell, rigid boards to race.

We are looking forward to seeing how SUP paddlers cope with the demands of the Stages Race. Hopefully the trial will be a success and we can make it a permanent addition to the DW Class list for 2026 and beyond.