In support of Guide Dogs for the Blind, I participated in The Doggy Paddle today, an 18-mile stand-up paddleboarding event down the River Avon. It was a journey I won’t soon forget, filled with everything from magnificent bridges and old castles to weir portages and shallow scrapes.
Table Of Content
It was more than just a paddle; it was a fundraiser and a significant personal achievement. It was about heart, willpower, and a couple (well, two) unanticipated dips in the river.
🚣♂️ About the Doggy Paddle
The Doggy Paddle is an annual flatwater SUP and kayak event that raises money for Guide Dogs UK. The course takes paddlers from Edmonscote Athletics Track in Leamington Spa all the way to Stratford-upon-Avon, passing through:
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🏰 Warwick Castle (yes, right through it!)
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🌳 Barford’s scenic banks
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🌊 The mighty Hampton Lucy Weir
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🦌 Charlecote Park, where deer roam nearby
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🎭 And finishing opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
It’s an event that draws SUP enthusiasts from across the region — and with good reason. The cause is worthy, the route is gorgeous, and the community vibe is unmatched.
📊 My Paddle Stats (Garmin)
Here’s how it went down on the water:
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🛶 Distance: 18 miles (29km)
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⏱ Finish Time: 4 hours 33 minutes
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🚀 Moving Time: 4 hours 17 minutes
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😅 Falls into the river: 2 (blame those shallow spots!)
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🛑 Weir Portages: 4- but my shoulders remember every one
📸 Photo Highlights
🐶 Why It Matters
In addition to testing your stamina, events like these help generate money for initiatives that have a positive impact on people’s lives. People with visual impairments can reclaim their freedom, self-esteem, and social connections with the aid of Guide Dogs UK. Every guide dog partnership involves amazing—and costly—training, partnering, and support.
I’m honoured to have been a part of it; paddling for them today felt like a modest but significant way to help.
🏁 SUPBIKERUN Countdown: 1 Week to Go
This paddle also doubled as a training session for next Sunday’s SUPBIKERUN — my ultimate challenge for July:
6km Paddle
42km Bike
10km Run
While today was a much longer paddle, it was the perfect endurance test before next week’s triple-discipline event.
I’m raising awareness and funds for those living with Acoustic Neuroma, a rare brain tumour I’ve personally been learning to live with. If you’d like to follow along or support that journey, here’s the link to the post about it:
👉 Read More About SUPBIKERUN and Why I’m Doing It
🔗 Track the Route
Want to explore the route I took? Here’s my GPS log from the day:
👉 Doggy Paddle 2025 – My Route on ChaseTheHare
Thanks to all the volunteers, organisers, and fellow paddlers for making it such a brilliant day.
Now, time to rest up — SUPBIKERUN awaits!
