Blog by Teresa Nash
This was held on Sunday, 9th July 2023 @ Warrior Way, organised primarily by Robert John and Pembrokeshire Paddlers. This is the 30th year that this Race has been held (with the exception of 2 years due to Covid). It was set up to be held to remember Rowland Perkins who died, tragically, in a kayaking accident end of 1993 whilst encountering a weir locally in Pembrokeshire. However, it is also held to remember those who have passed or who have been lost in years gone past.
The weather, against all previous forecasts, was good. It was sunny/cloudy, with a brisk South Westerly wind. High tide was due at 11.41am.
Race start: 11am and towards the Cleddau Bridge (against tide) and then back (with tide), keeping close to the sides of the river (to keep out of the wind). Youngsters to come back with the tide.
There were 14 young entrants (with 14 boats), between 11-16 years of age, including 1 female. There was a great safety boat turnout of 15 people and boats. A motorised safety boat was provided by Llanion Cove.
Organisers arrived 9.30am and helped erect a fabulous large gazebo, kindly lent out by Ross Kettle. In here a table was set up with kindly donated cakes (ginger, carrot, choc brownies etc - a huge variety to be fair), biscuits, teacakes etc; a water-boiler and gas bottle, with cups, plates, tea, coffee, sugar, milk etc. All these items were borrowed from very kind people. Milk, tea and coffee were all provided by the Club. Two radios were kindly borrowed from Llanion Cove’s support boat. Other radios were supplied by various members of Pembrokeshire Paddlers and the other Paddling groups which attended. Many thanks also to Llanion Cove for letting us use their toilets, getting some water from their kitchen and supplying safety personnel. Donations were collected towards the cakes and drinks. Prizes were very useful prizes: compass, torches, mugs, snoods, warm body tops (lightweight).
A tent was erected (team effort) and this was where registration took place for all the young entrants. A form had to be filled in and there was a £3 entry charge.
The race went ahead on time and then the cup, trophies, plaques, medals, certificates and prizes were all given out accordingly.
Placings were:
Race winner: Simon Lixandru (Roly Perkins Memorial Cup)
2nd: Taran Thomas
3rd: Jem Oliver
4th: David Lixandru (best local paddler award - trophy)
5th: Luke Newble
6th: Charlie Kellaway
7th: Lauren Prout (fastest female - trophy)
8th: Zeb Hallam
9th: Ryan Newble
10th: Tomos Goldworthy
11th: Jenson Bowles (Joint youngest paddler - trophy for 6 months shared)
12th: Jenson Kenyon-Sutherland
13th: Logan Kenyon-Sutherland
14th: Joe Prout (Joint youngest paddler - trophy for 6 months shared).
The cup and trophies will be held by winners for a total of 1 year.
Canoe trophy (a very nice one at that): Vaughan Perkins (one of Rowland’s sons). The canoe race wasn’t held in the end, as the weather was not suitable, with winds being too high.
All entrants received a certificate and a medal.
At the end of it all, everything was taken down (tent, gazebo, tables etc) and all rubbish was collected.
We were very lucky with the weather and we ended up having only one short downpour during the medals ceremony, but everybody was under the gazebo by then :-).
People/paddlers came from Carmarthen (Gwendraeth Valley Paddlers), Teifi Valley (Llandyssul) and from our local Club (Pembrokeshire Paddlers). All in all, there was a very good turnout.
Much appreciation to all those who turned up, showed support, helped organise, helped out, helped as safety boaters, made donations, made cakes, served tea, took photos, provided safety equipment, provided other equipment and of course, a big thank you to all those who took part. If I have missed anybody, then I apologise.
Photographs are attached. Cheers to Ross Kettle for contributing and for his drone pics.
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