Eight Intrepid teenagers successfully completed The Great River Race on Saturday under the expert guidance Hemel based Ruth Gungadoo and Robin Oakley.

Over 330 boats competed in the race from London Docklands following the Thames past its iconic bridges and landmarks for 21.6 miles to Ham in Surrey. Many nationalities competed including a Chinese crew!

This Lottery funded project took their eight teenagers from" zero to hero " status after just 4 weeks of intensive training at Hemel Hempstead Canoe Club.

Benjamin 17 from Watford said "It was an experience we'll never forget and one which we look forward to telling" The race was completed in 3hrs 23 minutes and not with out incident As Will Stein, 17 from Mill Hill said " we were near the end and Tamara had this mad itch and just couldn't continue paddling till it'd been well and truly scratched"

It was a fantastic effort by all involved. Especially as they were dressed as Smurfs throughout!

Moon Paddle is dedicated to helping people expand boundaries through providing exciting paddling opportunities Moonpaddle.com tells the full story.

Ends For further information contact Ruth Gungadoo at rgungadoo@googlemail.com Pictures attached: Moonpaddlers in action and a view of Tower Bridge from the boat 2 Attachments Based on information supplied by .