SuspensionBridgePAddlers

Menai Challenge:
Full Course - Results

The Menai Challenge is a self-timed time-trial where paddlers can test planning, strategy, skill and fitness over a Time Trial course within the Menai Straits.

The Full course is a loop starting at Menai Bridge slipway, with turn points at Brittania Bridge and Bangor Pier Buoy, before returning to finish at the slipway.

Scroll down to see results from previous years.

Course:

  • Start and Finish
    • At the Menai Bridge slipway. Start/finish as close as possible to the centreline end of the slipway.
  • Route:
    • Start MB slipway.
    • 2 turn points: Briattania Bridge central pillar and Bangor Pier red can buoy.
    • Return to Menai Bridge slipway.
    • Direction and turn point order is down to you.
  • Timing:
    • Time yourself.
    • Clock starts/stops as you cross the slipway centreline.
  • This is a self-timed TT. Record it on GPS and send us the .gpx or .tcx file. Please no screen grabs.
  • The Menai Challenge is open to any craft suitable and safe to paddle through the Swellies.
  • Be aware the Menai Strait, and especially the Swellies, is an area of fast moving and shallow water at times, with numerous rocks.
  • Avoid disturbance to any wildlife. Birds may roost and seals may haul out on the islands at times.
  • Note: We consider the Menai Challenge series of TT courses as moving water sea paddling: treat any attempt as a sea paddling trip - choose your craft, prepare and paddle accordingly.
  • Read and apply the safety notes at the bottom of the page.
  • Details below

Course design by John Willacy. Contact PSK for further details.

The Menai Challenge is an Unsupervised Standing Challenge


Menai Challenge: Full Course 2024

Route Distance: ~5.7 nm / 10.6 km
Prevailing direction: N/A

Click column header to sort.
Posn.K1WCatPaddlerElapsedDateBoatNoteLink1
1K1MJohn Willacy00:58:3501-Feb-24Rockpool Taran 18
2K1MJohn Willacy00:58:5815-May-24Rockpool Taran 18
3K1MJohn Willacy01:01:5108-Jan-24Rockpool Taran 18
4(1)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:08:5703-Feb-24Rockpool Taran 16
tbc
5K1M_SkiPaul Gallagher01:09:1201-Feb-24Stellar SR G2

5 runs



Menai Challenge: Full Course 2023

Click column header to sort.
Posn.K1WCatPaddlerElapsedDateBoatNoteLink1
1K1MJohn Willacy00:54:2301-May-23Rockpool Taran 18
2K1MJohn Willacy01:01:1805-Oct-23Rockpool Taran 16
3K1M_SkiPaul Gallagher01:03:0714-Apr-23Stellar SR G2
facebook
4K1M_SkiPaul Gallagher01:06:3716-May-23Stellar SR G2
5(1)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:07:1301-May-23Rockpool Taran 18
6K1M_SkiPaul Gallagher01:07:3201-Apr-23Stellar SR G2
7K1MBryan Dickinson01:09:1028-Aug-23Rockpool Taran 16

7 runs



Menai Challenge: Full Course 2022

Click column header to sort.
Posn.K1WCatPaddlerElapsedDateBoatNoteLink1
1K1M_SkiJohn Willacy00:55:4416-Jun-22Epic V11
2K1MJohn Willacy00:59:2705-Jul-22Rockpool Taran 18
3K1MJohn Willacy01:02:1317-Feb-22Rockpool Taran 18
4K1MJohn Willacy01:04:3921-Nov-22Rockpool Taran 18
5(1)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:06:4216-Jun-22Rockpool Taran 18
6(2)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:10:4405-Jul-22Rockpool Taran 18
7K1MDave Cutts01:13:0428-Apr-22Rockpool Taran 16

7 runs



Menai Challenge: Full Course 2021

Click column header to sort.
Posn.K1WCatPaddlerElapsedDateBoatNoteLink1
1K2_SkiIsaac Pipe/ Al Pipe00:47:3520-Sep-21Carbonology Sport Blast
2K1M_SkiJohn Willacy00:54:5125-Sep-21Epic V11
3(1)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:01:1316-Jul-21Rockpool Taran 18
4SUP_MChris Thorne01:01:4927-May-21Starboard Sprint
5(2)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:05:4425-Sep-21Rockpool Taran 18

5 runs



Menai Challenge: Full Course 2020

Click column header to sort.
Posn.K1WCatPaddlerElapsedDateBoatNoteLink1
1K1M_SkiAl Pipe00:53:2211-Jul-20Knysna G40 Ski
2K1MIsaac Pipe00:55:3511-Jul-20Valley Rapier 20
3K1MJohn Willacy01:00:2113-Jun-20Rockpool Taran 18
4K1MJohn Willacy01:02:0002-Sep-20Rockpool Taran 18
5(1)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:03:1222-Oct-20Rockpool Taran 18
6K1MJohn Willacy01:04:1304-Sep-20Rockpool Taran 18
7K1MDave Cutts01:05:3510-Sep-20Rockpool Taran 16
8K1MJohn Willacy01:05:4216-Jan-20Rockpool Taran 18
9K1MRich Griffiths Hughes01:06:1815-Aug-20Rockpool Taran 18
10K1MDave Cutts01:07:3006-Aug-20P+H Cetus MV
11K1MDave Cutts01:11:2918-Jul-20P+H Cetus MV
12K1MRich Griffiths Hughes01:14:5711-Oct-20Rockpool Taran 18
13SUP_MRich Griffiths Hughes01:18:3118-Jul-20O'Shea GTE 13'0

13 runs



Menai Challenge: Full Course 2019

Click column header to sort.
Posn.K1WCatPaddlerElapsedDateBoatNoteLink1
1K1MJohn Willacy00:57:1930-Jan-19Rockpool GT
2(1)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:58:2020-Apr-19Rockpool Taran 18
3K1MJonny Eldridge00:58:5611-Jan-19Rockpool Taran 18
4K1MJohn Willacy01:00:0611-Dec-19Rockpool Taran 18
5K1MDave Cutts01:02:2028-Jan-19Rockpool Taran 16
6K1MJohn Willacy01:02:4608-Mar-19Rockpool Taran 18
7K1MJohn Willacy01:02:5808-Mar-19Rockpool Taran 18
8K1MDave Cutts01:03:2611-Feb-19Rockpool Taran 16
9K1MDave Cutts01:04:3514-Jan-19Rockpool Taran 16
10K1MDave Cutts01:04:5927-Mar-19Rockpool Taran 16
11K1MDave Cutts01:05:1002-May-19Rockpool Taran 16
12K1MDave Cutts01:05:1902-Jan-19P+H Cetus
13K1MSteve Miles01:05:4903-Jan-19Rockpool Taran 18
14SUP_MChris Thorne01:07:1802-Jan-19Starboard Sprint
15K1MDave Cutts01:09:0225-Jan-19Rockpool Taran 16
16K1MSteve Miles01:09:2223-Jan-19Rockpool Taran 18
17(2)K1WJenny Wong01:09:3809-Jan-19Rockpool Tarantella
18K1MDave Cutts01:11:2908-Apr-19Rockpool Taran 16
19(3)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:13:3008-Mar-19Rockpool Taran 18
20K1MDave Cutts01:59:0001-Jan-19P+H Cetus
20(4)K1WAlison Davies01:59:0001-Jan-19Rockpool Alaw Bach
20K1MBryan Dickinson01:59:0001-Jan-19Rockpool Taran 16
20(4)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:59:0001-Jan-19Rockpool Taran 18
20K1MRichard Griffiths Hughes01:59:0001-Jan-19Rockpool GT
20(4)K1WKamala Sen01:59:0001-Jan-19Valley Rapier 18
20(4)K1WKathy Webb01:59:0001-Jan-19Valley Avocet
20K1MJames Wingfield01:59:0001-Jan-19N.Foster Vynek
20(4)K1WPenny Wingfield01:59:0001-Jan-19Valley Nordkapp
20(4)K1WJenny Wong01:59:0001-Jan-19Rockpool Tarantella
20(4)K1WJackie Wynne-Freer01:59:0001-Jan-19P+H Capella
31K1MJohn Willacy02:01:0001-Jan-19Rockpool Taran 18

31 runs



Menai Challenge: Full Course 2018

Click column header to sort.
Posn.K1WCatPaddlerElapsedDateBoatNoteLink1
1K1MJohn Willacy00:53:2024-Dec-18Rockpool Taran 18
2K1MJonny Eldridge00:55:2029-Jun-18Rockpool Taran 18
3K1MJohn Willacy00:56:0321-Aug-18Rockpool Taran 18
4K1MDan McGonigle00:56:4630-Apr-18Rockpool Taran 16
5K1MJohn Willacy00:57:0105-Oct-18Rockpool Taran 18
6K1MJohn Willacy00:59:1619-Feb-18Rockpool Taran 18
7K1MJohn Willacy00:59:4408-Feb-18Rockpool Taran 18
8K1MRichard Griffiths Hughes01:00:2124-Dec-18SKUK Quantum
9K1MJonny Eldridge01:00:5126-May-18Rockpool Taran 18
10(1)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:02:3024-Dec-18Rockpool Taran 18
11K1MRichard Griffiths Hughes01:03:2705-Jul-18Rockpool Taran 18
12(2)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:04:1605-Oct-18Rockpool Taran 18
13(3)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:04:2008-Sep-18Rockpool Taran 18
14K1MRichard Griffiths Hughes01:04:5109-Jun-18Rockpool Taran 18
15K1MBryan Dickinson01:06:1022-Sep-18Rockpool Taran 16
16(4)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:07:0208-Feb-18Rockpool Taran 18
17K1MDave Cutts01:07:1412-Jan-18P+H Cetus
18SUP_MChris Thorne01:09:1815-Mar-1814ft Starboard Allstar
19K1MDave Cutts01:09:2821-Nov-18P+H Cetus
20K1MDave Cutts01:09:3612-Sep-18P+H Cetus MV
21(5)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:10:0419-Feb-18Rockpool Taran 18
22(6)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:10:5519-Feb-18Rockpool Taran 18
23(7)K1WJenny Wong01:11:4322-Sep-18Rockpool Tarantella
24K1MSteve Miles01:11:0021-Nov-18Rockpool Taran 18
25K1MDave Cutts01:11:3921-Feb-18P+H Cetus
26K1MDave Cutts01:11:4910-Oct-18P+H Cetus MV
27SUP_MChris Thorne01:15:0606-Mar-1814ft Starboard Allstar
28K1MSteve Miles01:16:0002-Jan-18Rockpool Taran 18
29K1MMark Eldridge01:18:0029-Jun-18Rockpool Alaw Bach

29 runs



Menai Challenge: Full Course 2017

Click column header to sort.
Posn.K1WCatPaddlerElapsedDateBoatNoteLink1
1K1MJohn Willacy00:56:2903-Mar-17Epic V10 Sport
1K1MJohn Willacy00:56:2918-Apr-17Rockpool Taran 18
3K1MJohn Willacy00:56:3017-Jul-17Rockpool Taran 18
4K1MDan McGonigle00:57:2422-Mar-17Rockpool Taran 16
5K1MJohn Willacy00:57:4614-Sep-17Rockpool Taran 18
6K1MDan McGonigle00:58:5516-Sep-17Rockpool Taran 16
7K1MJohn Willacy01:00:0718-May-17Rockpool Taran 18
8K1MJohn Willacy01:00:5419-Dec-17Rockpool Taran 18
9K1MJohn Willacy01:01:1620-Feb-17Rockpool Taran 18
10K1MDan McGonigle01:01:2101-May-17Rockpool Taran 16
11K1MJohn Willacy01:02:0120-Feb-17Rockpool Taran 18
12(1)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:02:1417-Jul-17Rockpool Taran 18
13K1MJonny Eldridge01:03:3802-Nov-17Rockpool GT
14K1MDan McGonigle~01:04:0007-Feb-17Rockpool Taran 16
15(2)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:04:0314-Sep-17Rockpool Taran 18
16K1MBryan Dickinson01:04:5802-Apr-17Rockpool Tarantella
17K1MDan McGonigle~01:05:0007-Feb-17Rockpool Taran 16
18(3)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:05:1203-Mar-17Rockpool Taran 18
19(4)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:05:4218-May-17Rockpool Taran 18
20K1MRichard Griffiths Hughes01:05:5617-May-17Rockpool Taran 16
21K1MSteve Miles01:06:1029-Jul-17Rockpool Taran 18
22K1MJohn Willacy01:06:2220-Feb-17Rockpool Taran 18
23K1MJohn Willacy01:06:3029-Sep-17Rockpool Taran 18
24K1MRichard Peevor01:07:5308-Jan-17Rockpool Taran 18
25(5)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:09:1108-Jan-17Rockpool Taran 18
26K1MRichard Griffiths Hughes01:09:4707-May-17Rockpool GT
27SUP MChris Thorne01:15:4616-Sep-1714ft Starboard Allstar
28K1MDave Cutts01:24:3522-May-17P+H Cetus MV
28(6)K1WKathy Webb01:24:3522-May-17P+H Scorpio LV
30K1MPeter Eichenmuller01:39:1523-May-17Rockpool Taran 18
30(7)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:39:1523-May-17Rockpool Taran 18
32K1MJohn Willacy01:39:1623-May-17Rockpool Taran 18
33NewYear .Paddle01:50:0002-Jan-17
34K1MDave Cutts01:50:0002-Jan-17P+H Cetus MV
34K1MBryan Dickinson01:50:0002-Jan-17Rockpool Alaw Bach
34K1MRob Evans01:50:0002-Jan-17SKUK Explorer
34K1MChris Gash01:50:0002-Jan-17Valley Nordkapp
34K1MRichard Peevor01:50:0002-Jan-17Rockpool Taran 18
34(8)K1WKamala Sen01:50:0002-Jan-17Rockpool Tarantella
34(8)K1WKathy Webb01:50:0002-Jan-17Valley Avocet
34(8)K1WJenny Wong01:50:0002-Jan-17Rockpool Alaw Bach
34K1MNorbert Ziober01:50:0002-Jan-17Rockpool Taran 18
43K1MJohn Willacy01:50:0102-Jan-17Rockpool Taran 18

43 runs



Menai Challenge: Full Course 2016

Click column header to sort.
Posn.K1WCatPaddlerElapsedDateBoatNoteLink1
1K1MJohn Willacy00:54:1519-Dec-16Rockpool Taran 18
2K1MJohn Willacy00:55:0129-Aug-16Rockpool Taran 18
3K1MJohn Willacy00:55:3828-Jul-16Rockpool Taran 18
4K1MJohn Willacy00:56:3919-May-16Rockpool Taran 18
5K1MJohn Willacy00:57:2426-Nov-16Rockpool Taran 18
6K1MDan McGonigle00:57:4407-Apr-16Rockpool Taran 16
7K1MJohn Willacy00:57:5705-May-16Rockpool Taran 18
8K1MJohn Willacy00:58:0207-Apr-16Rockpool Taran 18
9K1MDavid Horkan00:58:2022-Mar-16Rockpool Taran 18
10K1MJohn Willacy00:59:2517-Feb-16Rockpool Taran 18
11(1)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:59:3116-Aug-16Rockpool Taran 18
12K1MJohn Willacy01:02:3418-Apr-16Rockpool Taran 18
13K1MDavid Horkan01:02:3618-Feb-16Rockpool Taran 18
14K1MBryan Dickinson01:02:4411-Feb-16Rockpool Tarantella
15K1MSteve Miles01:03:0007-Apr-16Rockpool Taran 18
16K1MJoe Leach01:03:2418-Feb-16Rockpool Taran 18
17(2)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:03:4319-Dec-16Rockpool Taran 18
18K1MJohn Willacy01:04:0219-Jan-16Rockpool Taran 18
19K1MBryan Dickinson01:04:1216-Jan-16Rockpool Tarantella
20K1MRichard Peevor01:04:4613-Mar-16Rockpool Taran 18
21K1MNorbert Ziober01:05:3826-Nov-16Rockpool Taran 18
22K1MNorbert Ziober01:05:5210-Jun-16Rockpool Taran 18
23K1MJames Wingfield01:05:5626-Nov-16Nigel Foster Vyneck
24(3)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:05:5719-May-16Rockpool Taran 18
25(4)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:06:0207-Apr-16Rockpool Taran 18
26(5)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:06:0928-Jul-16Rockpool Taran 18
27K1MRichard Peevor01:06:1926-Nov-16Rockpool Taran 18
28K1MJonny Eldridge01:06:5519-Jan-16Rockpool GT
29(6)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:06:5726-Nov-16Rockpool Taran 18
30K1MRichard Peevor01:09:2207-Apr-16SKUK Explorer HV
31K1MJohn Willacy01:09:4409-Dec-16Rockpool Taran 18
32K1MRichard Griffiths Hughes01:10:4726-May-16Rockpool GT
33K1MNorbert Ziober01:12:4202-Apr-16Rockpool Taran 18
34K1MDan McGonigle01:15:59?28-Jan-16SKUK Explorer
35K1MMark'Baggy' Richards01:17:3012-Mar-16North_Shore Atlantic RPM
36(7)K1WJenny Wong01:17:4116-Jan-16SKUK Explorer LV
37K1MSteve Miles01:17:5928-Jan-16Rockpool Taran 18
38K1MRichard Griffiths Hughes01:20:5928-Jan-16Rockpool GT
39K1MDave Cutts01:25:5905-Sep-16P+H Cetus MV
40(8)K1WKathy Webb01:29:5905-Sep-16Valley Avocet
41NewYear .Paddle01:37:2801-Jan-16
41K1MDave Cutts01:37:2801-Jan-16P+H Cetus MV
41K1MBryan Dickinson01:37:2801-Jan-16Rockpool Alaw Bach
41(9)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:37:2801-Jan-16Rockpool Taran 18
41K1MHuw Jones01:37:2801-Jan-16SKUK Pilgrim
41K1MMark'Baggy' Richards01:37:2801-Jan-16North_Shore Atlantic
41(9)K1WKathy Webb01:37:2801-Jan-16Valley Avocet
41(9)K1WJenny Wong01:37:2801-Jan-16Rockpool Tarantella
49K1MJohn Willacy01:37:2901-Jan-16Rockpool Taran 18
50SUP MChris Thorne01:45:0030-Nov-16Red Sport 11' Inflatable

50 runs



Menai Challenge: Full Course 2015

Click column header to sort.
Posn.K1WCatPaddlerElapsedDateBoatNoteLink1
1K1MJohn Willacy00:57:0706-Oct-15Rockpool Taran 18
2K1MJohn Willacy00:57:4213-Sep-15Rockpool Taran 18
3K1MJohn Willacy00:58:0819-May-15Rockpool Taran 18
4K1MJohn Willacy00:58:1513-Feb-15Rockpool Taran 18
5K1MJohn Willacy00:58:1701-Nov-15Rockpool Taran 18
6K1MJohn Willacy00:59:3308-May-15Rockpool Taran 18
7K1MJohn Willacy01:01:0029-Apr-15Rockpool Taran 18
8K1MJohn Willacy01:01:5217-Apr-15Rockpool Taran 18
9K1MBryan Dickinson01:04:2304-Nov-15Rockpool Tarantella
10(1)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:05:4106-Oct-15Rockpool Taran 18
11K1MJohn Willacy01:06:3017-Feb-15Rockpool Taran 18
12K1MJohn Willacy01:07:1717-Feb-15Rockpool Taran 18
13K1MRichard Peevor01:07:4531-Jul-15SKUK Explorer HV
14K1MJohn Willacy01:07:5901-Mar-15Rockpool Taran 18
15K1MJohn Willacy01:08:1601-Mar-15Rockpool Taran 18
16K1MJonny Eldridge01:10:5828-May-15Rockpool GT
17K1MDave Cutts01:11:0022-May-15P+H Cetus MV
18K1MMark'Baggy' Richards01:13:0830-Mar-15Islander Expedition
19K1MJohn Willacy01:14:4217-Feb-15Rockpool Taran 18
20(2)K1WKathy Webb01:20:0022-May-15P+H Scorpio LV
21K1MDavid Round01:20:0522-May-15SKUK Romany Excel
22K1MMark'Baggy' Richards01:20:5211-Jan-15Islander Expedition
23K1MSteffan Griffiths01:21:0022-May-15P+H Capella
24K1MJoseff Round01:23:0022-May-15Yostwerks Sea Rider

24 runs



Menai Challenge: Full Course 2014

Click column header to sort.
Posn.K1WCatPaddlerElapsedDateBoatNoteLink1
1K1MJohn Willacy00:54:4525-Dec-14Rockpool Taran 18
2K1MJohn Willacy00:56:0016-Jun-14Rockpool Taran 18
3K1MAled Williams00:56:2530-Apr-14Tiderace Pace 18
4K1MJohn Willacy00:57:5902-Apr-14Rockpool Taran 18
5K1MJohn Willacy00:58:0516-Jul-14Rockpool Taran 18
6K1MAled Williams00:58:4509-Jul-14Tiderace Pace 18
7K1MJeff Parker00:59:3827-Sep-14Rockpool Taran 18
8K1MPaul Krysik00:59:4009-Nov-14Rockpool Taran 18
9K1MJohn Willacy00:59:5624-Jan-14Rockpool Taran 18
10K1MAl Pipe01:00:4329-Apr-14Valley Rapier
11K1MAled Williams01:01:0608-Jan-14Tiderace Pace 18
12K1MAled Williams01:01:1510-Mar-14Tiderace Pace 18
13K1MAled Williams01:01:46*02-Apr-14Tiderace Pace 18
14K1MJohn Willacy01:03:0423-May-14Rockpool Taran 18
15K1MSteve Miles01:04:0010-Feb-14Rockpool Taran 16
16(1)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:04:5528-Dec-14Rockpool Taran 18
17(2)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:05:3725-Dec-14Rockpool Taran 18
18(3)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:05:5909-Nov-14Rockpool Taran 18
19K1MSteve Miles01:07:5229-Jan-14Rockpool Taran 16
20K1MDavid Attenborough01:07:5329-Jan-14P+H Quest
21K1MMark'Baggy' Richards01:09:3420-Sep-14Islander Expedition
22K1MRichard Peevor01:09:4828-Dec-14SKUK Explorer HV
23K1MNick Cunliffe01:10:4809-Jun-14Valley Nordkapp LV
23(4)K1WKamala Sen01:10:4809-Jun-14Valley Nordkapp LV
25K1MRichard Peevor01:11:3309-Nov-14SKUK Explorer HV
26K1MMark'Baggy' Richards01:12:1531-Aug-14SKUK Explorer HV
27K1MJames Stevenson01:13:1622-Jan-14P+H Cetus MV
28(5)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:13:3102-Apr-14Rockpool Taran 16 LV
29Christmas .Paddle01:52:0028-Dec-14
29K1MJonny Eldridge01:52:0028-Dec-14Rockpool Alaw
29(6)K1WRosie Frankland01:52:0028-Dec-14SKUK Romany
29K1MJim Krawiecki01:52:0028-Dec-14P+H Cetus MV
29(6)K1WJennie Richardson01:52:0028-Dec-14SKUK Romany
29K1MAled Williams01:52:0028-Dec-14Tiderace Pace 18
35K1MJohn Willacy01:52:0128-Dec-14Rockpool Taran 18

35 runs




Summary:

Menai Challenge: Full Course
Route Distance: ~5.7 nm / 10.6 km
Prevailing direction: N/A

Total runs: 249

Menai Challenge Time Trial - Full Course - Information


Format

  • Start and Finish
    • At the Menai Bridge slipway. Start/finish as close as possible to the end of the slipway.
  • Route:
    • Start MB slipway.
    • 2 turn points: Briattania Bridge central pillar and Bangor Pier red can buoy.
    • Return to Menai Bridge slipway.
    • Direction and turn point order is down to you.
  • Timing:
    • Time yourself.
    • Clock starts/stops as you cross the slipway centreline.

  • This is a self-timed TT. Record it on GPS and send us the .gpx or .tcx file. Please no screen grabs.
  • Avoid disturbance to any wildlife. Birds may roost on Ynys Welltog and seals may haul out on Ynys Benlas at times.
  • Be aware the Menai Strait, and especially the Swellies, is an area of fast moving and shallow water at times, with numerous rocks.

Submit a lap

Craft

  • Kayak, Ski, SUP or Canoe - Any craft you choose must be designed for and suitable for dynamic open water conditions. It must be rendered unsinkable, and in a seaworthy and safe condition.
  • All paddlers should be capable of paddling their chosen craft safely in all possible conditions for the chosen location.
  • All craft are to be rendered unsinkable, either by manufacturer design (bulkheads etc.) or via extra buoyancy devices (fitted airbags etc.)
  • Skis: The Menai Strait can be shallow and rocky in places, especially in The Swellies. Bear this in mind if you are paddling with an understern rudder!
  • Leashes: If you use a leash be aware that the Menai Strait has numerous fixed obstacles and fast moving water at times. You MUST be able to release your leash in a moving water entrapment situation.
  • We do not consider inflatable kayaks/canoes as suitable for this challenge.

Assistance

  • No sails, motors, support craft etc. - human paddle power only.

Safety

  • Note: We consider the Menai Challenge series of TT courses as moving water sea paddling: treat any attempt as a sea paddling trip - choose your craft, prepare and paddle accordingly.
  • All paddlers must undertake an assessment of risk - for their chosen route, venue, activity, craft, personal ability and conditions.
  • Ensure you and your group are capable of handling any conditions or hazards possible on your chosen route.
  • The management of any risk is entirely the responsibility of the paddler(s).
  • Avoid boat/shipping channels where possible and follow all local/national regulations as applicable.
  • Paddlers are to wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) at all times whilst on the water.
  • PFDs should meet ISO 12402 or be CE approved, and must be in good condition.
  • Helmets and quick-release leashes should be worn where applicable as deemed necessary by the paddler's own risk assessment.
  • ALL paddlers (inc. SUPS) are strongly advised to wear a helmet. This course is likely to involve shallow and moving water.
  • All craft are to be rendered unsinkable, either by manufacturer design (bulkheads etc.) or via extra buoyancy devices (fitted airbags etc.)
  • You must be able to self-rescue / re-enter your chosen craft in open water.

  • Safety equipment such as VHF radio, PLB, flares, mobile phone, map, compass, shelter etc. should be carried as deemed appropriate in your risk assesment.
  • Leave details of your route and time of return with a shore party and inform HM Coastguard as necessary.
  • We make no claim or assurance that any of the islands listed are fully navigable. YOU need to research and plan to ensure they are a safe and realistic proposition.
  • If you choose to paddle solo be aware of the significant extra risks involved.
  • If you have any doubts - THEN DO NOT GO!

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How To Submit A Time/Paddle.

SAFETY