The 2024 River Axe Race, organised by Axe Vale Canoe Club (AVCC), provided a marvellous family-friendly water activity and the perfect start to the 2024 spring paddling season.
Imagine the scene. It’s Sunday 3rd March and the sun is shining. The chill of the previous week has somewhat dissipated and a calm has fallen over the River Axe ... but not for long; as a convoy of vehicles containing excited participants make their way up from Axmouth Harbour to Whitford Bridge, each with one goal in mind – to win the 2024 River Axe Race.
This popular race is an excellent introduction to canoe racing and also provides a challenge for the more experienced paddler. Organised by the Axe Vale Canoe Club (based in Seaton) this fun, but at times taxing, endeavour sees paddlers assemble five miles south of Axminster at Whitford Bridge before paddling down the River Axe to finish at Axmouth Harbour. A staple of the Axe Vale Canoe Club calendar, this fantastic race has run for over 40 years, only being interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and two extreme cases of bad weather.
From stand-up paddle boards to white water racers, kayaks and canoes, the race attracts a wide variety of paddlers from across the country. This year, the River Axe Race welcomed 109 competitors, with some coming from as far afield as Cardiff and Lincolnshire, and paddlers’ ages ranging from 10 to 81 years old.
The Axe Vale Canoe Club were thrilled to see so many new and familiar faces descend upon the River Axe for this brilliant event; it was particularly delightful to see returning competitors encourage loved ones to take part – with three generations of one family participating this year, and who are now committed to making the River Axe Race an annual family event! It was also wonderful to welcome back Rob Rooks from Sutton Bingham Canoe Club, who started paddling the race when he was just 14 and who is now in his 50s!
As a club, the Axe Vale Canoe Club truly push the boat out to ensure that, rain or shine, a fun day is had by all! From helping participants to get on the water at Whitford, to offering rallying cries of support from within safety boats along the length of the race, and providing plenty of food and hot drinks at the finish line, the race leaves all those involved with a smile on their face and provides a truly great start to the season.
Congratulations to the following Axe Vale Canoe Club members who came away with medal positions on the day: Peter Newby, Adrian and Liz Shepard, Clare Herbert, Jenny Hyndes, Carl Strotton, Dylan and Tom Hooker, and Megan Shaw.
The fastest time this year was achieved by Stan Steve and Marl Escot from Bradford on Avon Canoe Club who took part in a Racing Double Kayak (K2 class) and achieved a fantastic time of 36 minutes!
Whilst it is easy to say that the 2024 River Axe Race was the best yet, the Axe Vale Canoe Club cannot wait to continue to build on its well-earned and strong reputation in 2025!
But the fun doesn’t stop there! The Axe Vale Canoe Club offers beginner courses for canoe and kayak if you are interested in learning a new skill, re-establishing an old hobby, or just want to spend some time indulging in the beauty of the River Axe Valley from a new watery perspective. Do check out their website for more information at http://www.axevalecc.co.uk.
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