What is the minimum age to participate?

Participants must be at least 18 years old to join the race.

Do I need to be an expert paddler?

Yes, all participants should be competent paddlers comfortable with 6km or 10km distances.

Food and drink are not included with registration but are available for purchase at the café on site.

Can beginners join the race?

This race is not suitable for first-timers; it requires prior paddling experience.

What safety requirements are there?

Participants must be able to swim 50 meters unaided, wear a buoyancy aid, and dress appropriately for cold water.

Where do I park and register?

Free parking is available near the race venue, with registration held at The Eyot Centre in Henley.

Conquer the GWTF Winter Series Race 2: Scenic 10km Challenge in Burghfield | Events | Sports

As winter thaws into early spring along the Thames Valley, the GWTF Winter Series Race 2 offers paddlers an electrifying finale to the cold-season competition. Taking place at Burghfield, a picturesque spot just outside Reading in Berkshire, England, this race promises a blend of intense athletic challenge and tranquil natural beauty. Burghfield’s lakeside setting provides a stunning backdrop with calm waters edged by gentle woodland, a perfect arena for kayakers and paddleboarders ready to test their endurance and skill.

The event on March 29, 2026, features two race options catering to different paddling styles and stamina levels: a robust 10km course for competitive racers and a more relaxed 6km category for those seeking a scenic, leisure-paced outing. With clear markers and a race briefing ahead of the start, paddlers navigate a course designed to challenge but also showcase the region’s unique riverine ecosystem. The Thames and surrounding waterways here host an array of local flora and fauna, from reed beds to kingfishers, rewarding keen eyes and nature lovers alongside athletic ambitions.

Organized by GWTF, a respected local outfit familiar with river conditions, the race fosters community spirit among outdoor enthusiasts in the area. The event complements Berkshire’s reputation as a versatile outdoor recreation hub, where watersports mesh seamlessly with walking trails, woodlands, and conservation areas. For visitors and locals alike, it culminates a season of winter events with an adrenaline rush and social atmosphere, complete with refreshments available at the adjacent café.

Practicalities are well covered: free parking at the venue, a central registration point at The Eyot Centre in Henley, and thoughtful guidance ensuring safety, including required swimming ability and weather-appropriate gear. Participants must be 18 or older and competent paddlers, reflecting the race’s brisk pace and the cold water temperatures typical of March. This makes it a standout styled contest within the UK’s paddling calendar and an excellent warm-up for the upcoming UK Gla Gla race.

Whether you’re a dedicated paddler hungry for competition or someone seeking an engaging outdoor challenge framed by beautiful English countryside, the GWTF Winter Series Race 2 invites you to embrace the river’s flow and test your limits while soaking in some of the area’s best watersports scenery. This race isn’t just about crossing the finish line, it’s about connecting with Berkshire’s distinctive landscape and outdoor culture at a spirited, community-rooted event.

About Go With The Flo

Go With The Flo is a Henley-on-Thames based paddleboarding and water-activity provider offering stand-up paddleboard (SUP) experiences, private sessions, school and corporate sessions, and mobile private bookings. The company provides instruction, safety briefings, and equipment for group and individual bookings on the River Thames in Henley-on-Thames.

Go With The Flo runs public social SUP experiences and tailored private SUP experiences for friends, families, and corporate teams. Their sessions emphasise beginner-friendly instruction, safety, and local scenic exploration. For schools and colleges the business delivers supervised SUP sessions designed to introduce students to paddleboarding while meeting basic safety standards. Corporate SUP sessions are available as team-building, clean-up, or SUP Pilates options with flexible locations on lake or river settings. Go With The Flo also offers a mobile private SUP experience described as 'Private SUP Experience - We Come To You' for bespoke group events.

Beyond paddleboarding, associated offerings include boat and canoe rentals under the name Go with the Flo’ot, with options such as aluminium motorboats, sloops, kayaks, and picnic add-ons for outings on the Berger- and Egmondermeer and Alkmaar canals. Rental inventory listed includes multiple boat sizes, single and multi-person kayaks, electric fatbikes, ebikes, scooters, and event services such as races and summer events. Booking information, dates, and specific equipment availability are provided per trip. Customers should consult the business directly for up-to-date schedules, pricing, and location details. Health and safety are prioritised through briefings and instructor supervision, and groups receive guidance on local waterways, access points, and basic self-rescue techniques. Booking terms vary by session.