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dwschool-liaision@hotmail.co.uk The National Schools Championship is jointly organised by the DW Canoe Race, Marsport and British Canoeing. The objective is to encourage grassroots paddling and better preparation and development of school teams in paddlesport.

The race is held in memory of Ross Warland and other young people who did not have the opportunity to reach their full potential in life. Ross, who died of bone cancer in February 2000 at the age of 21, was an active and popular member who first joined the club when he was 8 years old. When no longer able to paddle he devoted his time to coaching and training the club members. His attitude and courage towards his illness was an inspiration to all those that met him.
Classes
K1 full distance (20 miles)
K2 full distance (20 miles).
K1 relay teams. No more than 2 paddlers per team.
K2 relay teams. Two pairs per team.
Note: paddlers under 16 years of age may compete only as part of relay teams.
Race Details.
Distance: 20 miles, 12 portages.
Timetable
Booking in will be from 8 am. The first start time will be at 9-30am, for unranked and divisions 7-9 and 10-00am for divisions 1-6. Paddlers will be set off at regular intervals there after; with the last start time being 11am.The finish will close at 2.30 pm. Paddlers will need to base their start time on their calculated paddling speed. For those paddlers who will record slower times please ensure that you are on the start line early in order have your finish time recorded.
Start: Banbury Canoe Club, Cropredy Wharf, Cropredy OX17 1PG. Four miles north of Banbury. Follow A423 Southam Road from Banbury. Signpost pointing right to Great Bourton and Cropredy. O/S map 151 ref. (468, 465).
Turn point: Nell Bridge, Aynho Lock at 10 miles. O/S map 151 Explorer ref (484, 342)
Finish: Banbury Canoe Club, Cropredy Wharf, Cropredy, OX17 1PG.
Changeovers.
There is the possibility of 2 designated changeover points depending on the distance that the relay team wish to paddle at in one go ie 4.5 miles or 10 miles.
Banbury Lock near the Spiceball Sports Centre & Castle Quay Shopping Centre at 4.5 miles from Cropredy. O/S map 191 Explorer ref (458, 408).
Nell Bridge at Aynho Lock at 10 miles. O/S map 151 Explorer ref (484, 342).
Rules
As per the Racing Yearbook 2019. All division 7, 8 and 9 paddlers must wear approved buoyancy aids. Team Leader to decide on juniors outside these divisions.
Banbury Lock portage situated in Castle Quay Shopping Centre. In the interests of public safety there will be no running this portage. Marshals will be on hand to observe and if necessary penalise those paddlers that are irresponsible. However in order not to impinge on the race itself we will allow a light run/jog on the portage but no sprinting or irresponsible running please as the portage cuts across a footpath used by shoppers including children.
How teams use the changeovers is down to them.
Each team may need a support team to transfer their boats between stages.
Competitors and team leaders should note that competitors participate at their own risk, and that Banbury and District Canoe Club cannot be held responsible for any loss or injury to person or property however caused. Suitable footwear advisable. The organisers will reserve the right to refuse access to the water to paddlers that they deem are not wearing sufficient clothing for the conditions of the day.
All paddlers may be required to wear buoyancy aids if the organiser deems it necessary due to the prevailing conditions.
Junior teams must have a support crew in attendance.