The Paddler Autumn/Fall issue 2017

The 20km racers soon follow suit with an
explosive start showing the skill and stamina of
both male and female paddlers competing side
by side, quickly flying off out of view, soon
passing under Putney bridge.
The momentum of the water’s fast flow makes
for an exhilarating paddle as the SUP’ers seek out
its fastest current. Passing under bridge after
bridge, paddlers witness multiple vistas of this
cities vast and varied landscape, heritage and
modernism thriving side by side. Londoners going
about their business stop to cheer and encourage
the paddlers as they powerfully glide by.
UK’s seat of power
The paddlers soon come alongside the UK’s seat
of power, the magnificent Houses of Parliament.
With the ever watchful face of Big Ben signalling
to one and all the turning point barge, the
paddlers work harder than ever to compete
against the swirling waters as the Thames tide
starts to turn. The SUP’ers crossing the river
have to use all their skills to command the
balance of their boards.
Seeing the waters gradually rising lifts the spirits of
the now tiring competitors on he return paddle
back to the start. On their journey new sights
ThePADDLER 167