Overview
This popular event takes place annually over a weekend in September. It is limited to 300 craft and participants (AKA S2Cers) pay an entry fee to the River Stour Trust which goes towards the charity’s aims of restoration, conservation and education of the Suffolk & Essex River Stour Navigation.
Experienced and novice paddlers travel from all over the UK (and sometimes further afar!) to take part. S2Cers navigate the 24½ miles (37km) of the River Stour, from Sudbury to the Cattawade Barrier, enjoying its many delights and seeing parts of the local countryside that are inaccessible by foot or road.
The River Stour Trust provides help and advice along the route, a safety boat following all craft, and checkpoints at various points along the navigation. Participants must provide their own craft, personal safety equipment, transport at either end of the event, accommodation for the Saturday night (a camp-site at the midway stage), and food and drink. However, there will be some food and drink available at various places along the route.
It has been part of our calendar in one form or another since the 1970’s and was for many years known as ‘The Length of the River Cruise’. In 2005, it was re-branded Sudbury to the Sea although it is most commonly referred to using the acronym, S2C. The event was originally designed to ensure that the Navigation was used and to note any problems on the river. These are still important aspects but it is generally regarded as a social paddle.
BUT. . .Don’t forget that the river is there for you to enjoy all year round (although we suggest you stay away in times of flood, or strong flows!). During the long days of summer it is possible to do the whole trip in a single day – but we suggest you have a back-up team for some of the logistics! Your craft must be registered – click here for more information.
If you took part in the most recent S2C then we would appreciate your feedback – click here
S2C comments:
- “Can I just say a huge thank-you to all the volunteer organisers again this year. Haing arrived home, counting briuses and trying to reach my arms above my head (!!)- I was just thinking how much hard work goes into the weekend. well done and thanks – great weekend again.”
- “A really great weekend, a bit smelly, bit achey but lots of precious memories.”
- “Had a great time – my first but not my last s2c”
- “Great weekend, really enjoyed our first S2C. My arms will hopefully recover very soon!!”
- “This was the 1st time for me (and only the 2nd time out in a boat) so I’m pretty stiff today but loved every minute (found muscles I had forgotten I had!!). Everyone seemed very friendly and helpful making for a great weekend.”
- “Absolutely cream crackered after a fantastic Sudbury to the Sea canoe trip. Can’t believe how brilliant the weather turned out to be after fears of pouring rain. Feeling quite aglow now. Big thanks to the organisers and volunteers.”
- “A brilliant weekend. The weather was kind and the organisation was fantastic. Really enjoyed it but ache all over. Thank you RST and all that participated”
- “Had a lovely to 2 days canoeing”