‘This is the Comfort of Friends, that though they may be said to Die, yet their Friendship and Society are, in the best Sense, ever present, because Immortal.’ – William Penn, Fruits of Solitude.
Chris Wheeler was a close friend and paddling buddy of mine. Despite his modesty, he was an expert paddler, among Britain’s most experienced expedition kayakers. Two weeks ago, Chris was paddling his favourite section of river at his favourite level; the upper Dart in high water. He became pinned upon a tree. Those of us who were present with Chris were unable to free him before it was too late. On Friday, Chris’ funeral was held in Reading. Around four hundred people attended, a mark of the respect that Chris and his achievements are held in.
Whilst Britain’s whitewater paddlers will likely have heard of Chris (or know him by his infamous nickname, ‘Magic Knees’), sea kayakers may find his name less familiar. He actually did a considerable amount of sea kayaking, especially enjoying it as it allowed him to share his passion for paddling with his partner Julia. Despite sea kayaking trips overseas to Ireland, Britanny, Croatia, Oman, Greece and Vietnam, Chris best enjoyed sea kayaking the South West coast and Pembrokeshire. Incidentally, it’s Chris who is pictured under the arch of Durdle Door on the cover of my book.
The photos below show some of Chris’ sea paddling exploits in the past year or so.
We miss him dearly.
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