Article by, Emma C., Canoe Team Captain

My experience was definitely a unique one, having sustained a serious rotator cuff injury in my shoulder and not having paddled for six weeks prior to DW. However, the feeling of crossing that finish line after four days of gruelling paddling is indescribable—it’s something I’ll never forget. Having your team, friends, family and coaches all there for you is incredible. Knowing that all your hard work has paid off, and the resilience you build, is something I’ll carry with me throughout my life.

The DW community is also something very unique and special to this race. All the boats are there for each other, and the older crews guide us junior boats when we don’t really have a clue! The marshals, for me, became almost like second parents—supporting us in those moments when we were really struggling.

The team grew even closer over the weekend, spending evenings cooking and chatting together about what had happened during the day. Our support crews were a huge part of keeping morale high. At the finishes, you could definitely hear the “Go Kimbolton!” cheers the loudest! I certainly couldn’t have done it without my boat partner, James, pushing me along the river and keeping me going by singing Disney songs.

The team did incredibly well. Yes, we always set out with the intention to do our best, but a huge part of DW is simply finishing—and I’m so proud of the whole team. For example, Aimee and Isaac went 40 minutes quicker on Day 1 than they had at Waterside D, which is incredible. Tom and Theo were just amazing and definitely deserved their win in both the Watersides and DW. Our other top boats—Leo and Aaron, and Zac and Vukašin—were also incredible and a vital part of securing the team trophy.

I’m so grateful to have been part of such an incredible team and experience—DW has taught me lessons in resilience, teamwork and determination that I’ll take with me far beyond the river.