South West Sea Kayaking

Why have I not been out paddling, on such a fine Bank Holiday weekend? The answer lies with the woman pictured above, Claire. She’s a work colleague who is scarily fit, spending her free time running marathons and Adventure Racing. She persuaded me to make up a team with her for the Purbeck Adventure Race, which took place this weekend literally right outside my front door. The event comprises of a two hour hill run, folowed by a three hour offroad bike ride. Claire was out to achieve her Personal Best; I was out to achieve Personal Survival.

Well, I survived, although I suspect that Claire didn’t break sweat. 30+ miles and 4000 foot of ascent was actually a lot more fun than it sounds, it was all a peculiarly enjoyable experience. Anyway, I suppose I’d better say something about my book. It was reviewed on Amazon - just like a real book!

As a man who lives in Cornwall and has been in and around its seas in various craft, and who has just realised a long yearning for exploring the coast by kayak by purchasing both a single and a tandem in which to begin the adventure, I was really looking forward to receiving this book. I couldn’t have been any more impressed. Mark Rainsley’s book somehow manages to describe a passage of the entire coast from the Needles to the River Severn (including the Isles of Scilly and Lundy) in some 50 stages in a surprising amount of detail. The information is practical and interesting and is very well organised, covering historical, ecological, and nautical angles. There are maps for each stage/route and a bounty of colour photos. My only worry is that it may help spawn a plethora of kayakers to swarm the presently un-crowded waters around the South West. Other than that it’s a great achievement.

Many thanks to whoever wrote that - I owe you a beer or three!