Start of Gwynedd County

PSK Coastal Counties Challenge 2023


The PSK Coastal County Challenge is an advanced level challenge, taking in the counties of the UK Coastline. Pick a 'county' and paddle across it.

We have set boundaries at either side of each PSK 'Coastal County'. Points are awarded for paddling from one boundary to the other, with points roughly equal to the distance involved.

Additional bonus points are given for the following:
  • A 50% Bonus for the first paddler(s) to complete a county
  • A 20% Bonus for a 'sequential completion' of a county
  • Details Here






Coastal Counties Challenge
Leaderboard


Posn.PaddlerCountiesPts
1Mike Ellicock4367
2John Willacy2348
3Giles Hudson2251
4Phil Smith2214
5Neal Ricketts1206
6Nick Cunliffe1144
6Tim Haines1144
8Billy Butler1107
8Rhys Hunt1107
8Andy Ironside1107
8Peter Miller1107






Selected: 0 - ,

RowPaddlerCountyCountryDatePts % % Totals

+ 50% is for the first paddler(s) to complete a county
+ 20% is for a 'sequential completion' of a county





Counties Completed


Who's done what in 2022:

RowCountyCountryPaddlerDatePts % % Lap Total
1South DevonEnglandNeal Ricketts18-Oct-23137 + 50 + 0 206
2Isle of WightEnglandBilly Butler02-Oct-2389 + 0 + 20 107
3Isle of WightEnglandGiles Hudson02-Oct-2389 + 0 + 20 107
4Isle of WightEnglandRhys Hunt02-Oct-2389 + 0 + 20 107
5Isle of WightEnglandPhil Smith30-Sep-2389 + 0 + 20 107
6Isle of WightEnglandAndy Ironside15-Sep-2389 + 0 + 20 107
7Isle of WightEnglandPeter Miller15-Sep-2389 + 0 + 20 107
8Isle of WightEnglandPhil Smith15-Sep-2389 + 0 + 20 107
9AngleseyWalesTim Haines03-Sep-23120 + 0 + 20 144
10Isle of WightEnglandMike Ellicock02-Sep-2389 + 50 + 20 152
11AngleseyWalesNick Cunliffe01-Sep-23120 + 0 + 20 144
12AngleseyWalesGiles Hudson01-Sep-23120 + 0 + 20 144
13AngleseyWalesJohn Willacy16-Aug-23120 + 0 + 20 144
14HampshireEnglandMike Ellicock29-May-2357 + 50 + 20 98
15Brighton and HoveEnglandMike Ellicock28-May-2313 + 50 + 20 23
16West SussexEnglandMike Ellicock28-May-2355 + 50 + 20 94
17AngleseyWalesJohn Willacy07-Apr-23120 + 50 + 20 204

[Isle of Wight]     	 => 8
[Anglesey] => 5
[South Devon] => 1
[Brighton and Hove] => 1
[West Sussex] => 1
[Hampshire] => 1


Counties List

Brighton and Hove

(England) 13 pts

Boundary 1: TQ 382,008 Line N of wpt - Saltdean
Boundary 2: TQ 256,036 Line N of wpt - Portslade By Sea

Note:
Rebound off marina wall.


Cornwall

(England) 293 pts

Boundary 1: SX 435,588 Start/finish beneath Tamar Bridge (A38)
Boundary 2: SS 200,175 Line E of wpt to Marsland Mouth

Note:
Plymouth Sound - busy + military traffic. MOD Tregantle Range. Falmouth traffic. The Lizard. Land's End. Have a pasty for me.


Cumbria

(England) 110 pts

Boundary 1: SD 238,622 Line to W of wpt to Haws Point.
Boundary 2: NY 106,552 Line to SE of wpt to Silloth East Cote lighthouse.

Note:
Bound 1 at entrance to Barrow Shipyard channel. Seal Colony on S of Walney Island - do not disturb. MOD ranges on route.


Devon - North

(England) 84 pts

Boundary 1: SS 200,175 Line E of wpt to Marsland Mouth
Boundary 2: SS 800,504 Line S of wpt to Glenthorne

Note:
xxx


Devon - South

(England) 137 pts

Boundary 1: SY 335,906 Line NW of wpt to Underhill Farm
Boundary 2: SX 435,588 Start/finish beneath Tamar Bridge (A38)

Note:
MOD Straight Point Range. Plymouth Sound - busy + military traffic.


Dorset

(England) 115 pts

Boundary 1: SZ 218,924 Line NW between wpt and Chewton Bunny
Boundary 2: SY 335,906 Line NW wpt to Underhill Farm

Note:
Poole Harbour entrance - fast ferries. Portland Bill. Chesil Beach.


Durham

(England) 17 pts

Boundary 1: NZ 428,519 Line W of wpt to Ryhope Dean (close S of Pincushion).
Boundary 2: NZ 493,372 Line SW of wpt to Crimdon House Farm.

Note:
xxx


East Riding of Yorkshire

(England) 82 pts

Boundary 1: TA 170,765 Line S of wpt to Dulcey Dock.
Boundary 2: TA 420,103 Line W of wpt to Spurn Head.

Note:
RAF Cowden Range - beware uxb washing up. Spurn Head. Mouth of Humber shipping and flow.


East Sussex

(England) 69 pts

Boundary 1: TQ 980,174 Line N of wpt - Broomhill Farm - to W of Lydd Range boundary
Boundary 2: TQ 382,008 Line N of wpt - Saltdean

Note:
MOD Lydd Range - avoid. Newhaven Ferry Port.


Essex

(England) 59 pts

Boundary 1: TM 268,314 Start/finish at E end of Harwich Breakwater.
Boundary 2: TQ 930,955 Start/finish opposite slipway on N bank (Creeksea).

Note:
Halliday Rock Flats powered craft recreation area SW of Harwich Breakwater. Sand and mud in south. Ray Sand dries + nature reserve.


Gloucestershire

(England) 12 pts

Boundary 1: ST 628,983 Start/finish on line W from Severn House Farm.
Boundary 2: ST 556,904 Start/finish under Sevenr Bridge (M48).

Note:
Extensive shallows, sand banks + mud flats. Large tidal range, fast flows and confused water.


Hampshire

(England) 57 pts

Boundary 1: SZ 750,974 Line N between wpt and Eastoke Point
Boundary 2: SZ 218,924 Line N between wpt and Chewton Bunny

Note:
Harbour entrances: Portsmouth, Southampton. Solent heavy + large traffic.


Hartlepool

(England) 11 pts

Boundary 1: NZ 493,372 Line SW of wpt to Crimdon House Farm.
Boundary 2: NZ 544,284 Start/finish at E End of North Gare Breakwater

Note:
Tees Mouth shipping.


Isle of Wight

(England) 89 pts

Boundary 1: N/A xxx
Boundary 2: N/A xxx

Note:
Island: Full lap required - no boundary to start/finish. Busy traffic in the Solent.


Kent

(England) 123 pts

Boundary 1: TQ 912,758 Start/finish at N Cardinal Bouy (BY Q W)
Boundary 2: TR 110,168 Line from wpt to Dungeness lighthouse to W.

Note:
River Medway mouth. Ramsgate Port. Dover Port - extremely busy for confined traffic - permission required to cross. Hythe Range. Dungeness. Avoid Lydd Range.


Lancashire

(England) 53 pts

Boundary 1: SD 354,264 Line to E of wpt (Church Scar - sailing club).
Boundary 2: SD 425,648 Pass to N of stone pier at Morecambe. (Alternative at Silverdale - N of line directly W of beach side car-park. NOTE: THIS ALTERNATIVE IS NOT POSSIBLE AT ANYTHING OTHER THAN HW!)

Note:
Boundary 1 Mud - recommend HW acces. River Ribble extensive shallows, mud, training walls + tidal bore. Blackpool area extensive sea defences makes HW exit very difficult. Busy + confined shipping channel long from Heysham. V.extensive soft sand/mud from Fleetwood to Heysham - no safe get out. Mud at Morecambe. Quicksand/mud a real hazard in River Ribble, Morecambe Bay and any estuaries.


Lincolnshire

(England) 57 pts

Boundary 1: TA 349,061 Start/finish at Haile Sand Fort.
Boundary 2: TF 572,578 Line W of wpt to Gibraltar Point Visitors Centre.

Note:
MOD Donna Nook Range - requires range closed days to transit. Sandbanks both ends.


Medway

(England) 24 pts

Boundary 1: TQ 704,766 Start/finish at Cliffe Fort.
Boundary 2: TQ 899,760 Start/finish at Grain Tower.

Note:
Extensive mud. Beware of Thames VTS shipping. Yantlett range. River Medway mouth.


Merseyside

(England) 43 pts

Boundary 1: SJ 393,810 Line to SW of wpt to car factory - Eastham Sands.
Boundary 2: SD 269,195 Line to E of YBY Cardinal Bouy - VQ(9)10s

Note:
River Mersey busy for large raffic. Upper Mersey shallows and mud. Training walls + confined shipping channel in Crosby Channel. Extensive shallows and sands at Southport.


Norfolk

(England) 118 pts

Boundary 1: TF 660,400 Line E of wpt to slipway - caravan park.
Boundary 2: TM 546,994 Line W of wpt to S edge of village

Note:
Hunstanton extensive sands. Scolt Head Island - ask Frank.


North Somerset

(England) 28 pts

Boundary 1: ST 275,595 Pass W end of Howe Rock.
Boundary 2: ST 477,781 Line S of wpt to Portishead Pier

Note:
Shallows and extensive mud. Large tidal range.


North Yorkshire

(England) 60 pts

Boundary 1: NZ 785,198 Line S of wpt to Staithes Harbour entrance.
Boundary 2: TA 170,765 Line S of wpt to Dulcey Dock.

Note:
Scampi + Chips at Whitby. Filey Brigg.


Northumberland

(England) 96 pts

Boundary 1: NT 984,579 Line to SW of wpt (E of Maryfield).
Boundary 2: NZ 352,760 Line S of wpt to St Mary's Lighthouse.

Note:
Nature reserves along the route inc. Holy Island, Coquet Island, St Mary's Island: Do not disturb any wildlife.


Redcar and Cleveland

(England) 25 pts

Boundary 1: NZ 558,284 Start/finish at N End of South Gare Breakwater.
Boundary 2: NZ 785,198 Line S of wpt to Staithes Harbour entrance.

Note:
Tees Mouth.


Somerset

(England) 55 pts

Boundary 1: SS 800,504 Line S of wpt to Glenthorne
Boundary 2: ST 275,595 Pass W end of Howe Rock.

Note:
Shallows and extensive mud from Burnham on Sea north. Large tidal range.


Suffolk

(England) 77 pts

Boundary 1: TM 546,994 Line W of wpt to S edge of village
Boundary 2: TM 293,311 Line W of wpt to Landguard Point.

Note:
Lowestoft Harbour. Orford Ness. Harwich Harbour shipping.


Tyne and Wear

(England) 26 pts

Boundary 1: NZ 352,760 Line S of wpt to St Mary's Lighthouse.
Boundary 2: NZ 428,519 Line W of wpt to Ryhope Dean (close S of Pincushion).

Note:
St Mary's Island nature reserve: Do not disturb any wildlife. Tynemouth. Whitburn Range. Sunderland.


West Sussex

(England) 55 pts

Boundary 1: TQ 256,036 Line N of wpt - Portslade By Sea
Boundary 2: SZ 750,974 Line N between wpt and Eastoke Point

Note:
Selsey Bill


Wirral

(England) 52 pts

Boundary 1: SJ 288,708 Pass beneath A548 bridge.
Boundary 2: SJ 393,810 Line to SW of wpt to car factory - Eastham Sands.

Note:
Extensive shallows and mud in Dee Estuary. Tidal Bore on River Dee. River Mersey busy for large traffic. Upper Mersey shallows and mud.


Isle of Man

(I.O.M.) 115 pts

Boundary 1: N/A xxx
Boundary 2: N/A xxx

Note:
Island: Full lap required - no boundary to start/finish. Douglas ferry port.


Aberdeenshire

(Scotland) 173 pts

Boundary 1: NJ 528,687 Line to S of wpt to Logie Head.
Boundary 2: NO 750,626 Line to W of wpt to mouth of River North Esk.

Note:
MOD Blackdog range. Busy ports of Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Aberdeen.


Angus

(Scotland) 37 pts

Boundary 1: NO 750,626 Line to W of wpt to mouth of River North Esk.
Boundary 2: NO 567,336 Line to N of wpt to train station - car park.

Note:
MOD Buddon Training Area range.


Argyll and Bute

(Scotland) 287 pts

Boundary 1: NS 294,819 Start/finish at Helensburgh Pier.
Boundary 2: NM 960,535 Cross line between Eilean Balnagowan and mouth of Salachan Burn.

Note:
River Clyde / Firth of Clyde busy for shipping/ferries. Numerous ferries on route. Mull of Kintyre. Sound of Jura. Clachan Sounds allowed. Oban Ferries.


Dumfries and Galloway

(Scotland) 164 pts

Boundary 1: NX 991,542 Line to W of wpt to Southerness Point lighthouse.
Boundary 2: NX 032,717 Line to W of wpt to Lady Bay/Portencalzie.

Note:
Unsurveyed at Southerness Point. MOD Ranges on route: Kirkcudbright Training Area and West Freugh. Mull of Galloway. Busy + confined ferry lane into/out Loch Ryan. Wash in confined loch from fast ferries.


East Lothian

(Scotland) 54 pts

Boundary 1: NT 334,739 Line to S of wpt to Fisherrow Harbour.
Boundary 2: NT 778,731 Line to SW of wpt to Bilsdean Creek

Note:
xxx


Edinburgh

(Scotland) xxx pts

Boundary 1: N/A xxx
Boundary 2: N/A xxx

Note:
Excluded due to Leith Port.


Fife

(Scotland) 103 pts

Boundary 1: NO 462,293 Start/finish at Pile Lighthouse.
Boundary 2: NT 133,800 Pass beneath Forth Bridge (Rail).

Note:
MOD Buddon Training Area range. Abertay shipping chasnnel. Abertay Sands hazardous. Avoid Tentsmuir Nature Reserve. Firth of Forth shipping.


Highland

(Scotland) 600 pts

Boundary 1: NM 960,535 Cross line between Eilean Balnagowan and mouth of Salachan Burn.
Boundary 2: NH 888,580 Line to S of wpt to mouth of River Nairn piers.

Note:
Ferries: Oban / Sound of Mull / Mallaig. Kyle Rhea. MOD BUTEC, Inner Sound. MOD Cape Wrath. Pentland Firth. Whiterow Range nr Wick. Tain Air Weapons Range. Cromarty Firth/Moray Firth shipping. Remote and exposed.


Inverclyde

(Scotland) 12 pts

Boundary 1: N/A xxx
Boundary 2: N/A xxx

Note:
tbc


Isle of Arran

(Scotland) 85 pts

Boundary 1: N/A xxx
Boundary 2: N/A xxx

Note:
Island: Full lap required - no boundary to start/finish.


Moray

(Scotland) 69 pts

Boundary 1: NH 888,580 Line to S of wpt to mouth of River Nairn piers.
Boundary 2: NJ 528,687 Line to S of wpt to Logie Head.

Note:
Binn Hill range.


North Ayrshire

(Scotland) 41 pts

Boundary 1: NS 310,340 Line to E of wpt to Barassie - north edge of village.
Boundary 2: NS 184,680 Line to E of wpt to Upper Skelmorlie.

Note:
Various ferries: Ardrossan,Largs, Wemyss Bay


Orkney Islands

(Scotland) 219 pts

Boundary 1: N/A xxx
Boundary 2: N/A xxx

Note:
Island: Full lap required - no boundary to start/finish. Include Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay, South Ronaldsay, Hoy. Significant flows and crossings.


Outer Hebrides

(Scotland) 463 pts

Boundary 1: N/A xxx
Boundary 2: N/A xxx

Note:
Island: Full lap required - no boundary to start/finish. Include Butt of Lewis and Berneray.


Scottish Borders

(Scotland) 29 pts

Boundary 1: NT 778,731 Line to SW of wpt to Bilsdean Creek
Boundary 2: NT 984,579 Line to SW of wpt (E of Maryfield).

Note:
xxx


Shetland Islands

(Scotland) 262 pts

Boundary 1: N/A xxx
Boundary 2: N/A xxx

Note:
Island: Full lap required - no boundary to start/finish. Include Mainland, Sumburgh Head, Unst. Significant flows and crossings.


South Ayrshire

(Scotland) 74 pts

Boundary 1: NX 052,711 Line to E of wpt to Marchburn.
Boundary 2: NS 310,340 Line to E of wpt to Barassie - north edge of village.

Note:
Busy + confined ferry lane into/out Loch Ryan. Wash in confined loch from fast ferries.


Anglesey

(Wales) 120 pts

Boundary 1: N/A xxx
Boundary 2: N/A xxx

Note:
Island: Full lap required - no boundary to start/finish. Holyhead ferry port.


Bridgend

(Wales) 13 pts

Boundary 1: SS 852,755 Between wpt and mouth of Afon Ogwr/River Ogmore.
Boundary 2: SS 768,830 Line NE of wpt to mouth of Afon Cynffig, Kenfig Sands.

Note:
xxx


Camarthenshire

(Wales) 29 pts

Boundary 1: SS 443,976 Start/finish at Whiteford Point Lighthouse - dries, get close-ish.
Boundary 2: SN 183,065 Line N of wpt. Close W of Telpyn Point.

Note:
MOD Pendine Range.


Cardiff

(Wales) 9 pts

Boundary 1: ST 254,774 Line NNW of wpt to Rumney Great Wharf.
Boundary 2: ST 194,712 Line between wpt and Penarth Pier.

Note:
Extensive shallows, sand banks + mud flats. Large tidal range + fast flows. No get out at Boundary 1. Beware entrance Cardiff Harbour at Boundary 2.


Ceredigion

(Wales) 68 pts

Boundary 1: SN 157,490 Start/finish at beach at Poppit Sands.
Boundary 2: SN 582,94 Start/finish line to E of Aberdovey Outer Buoy Iso.4s (Fairway Buoy)

Note:
MOD Aberporth Range. Aberdovey Bar.


Conwy

(Wales) 39 pts

Boundary 1: SH 647,770 Line to SSE of wpt.
Boundary 2: SH 991,822 Line SSE of wpt to mouth of River Clwyd.

Note:
Lavan Sands dries extensively.


Denbighshire

(Wales) 11 pts

Boundary 1: SH 991,822 Line SSE of wpt to mouth of River Clwyd.
Boundary 2: SJ 090,857 Line to SSE of wpt - E of golf course.

Note:
xxx


Flintshire

(Wales) 27 pts

Boundary 1: SJ 090,857 Line to SSE of wpt - E of golf course.
Boundary 2: SJ 288,708 Pass beneath A548 bridge.

Note:
Extensive shallows and mud in Dee Estuary. Tidal Bore on River Dee. Traffic from Mostyn Port.


Gwynedd

(Wales) 159 pts

Boundary 1: SN 582,949 Start/finish line to E of Aberdovey Outer Buoy Iso.4s (Fairway Buoy)
Boundary 2: SH 647,770 Line to SSE of wpt.

Note:
Aberdovey Bar. MOD Aberporth Range. Bardsey Sound. Menai Straits. Lavan Sands dries extensively.


Monmouthshire

(Wales) 14 pts

Boundary 1: ST 556,904 Start/finish under Sevenr Bridge (M48).
Boundary 2: ST 458,809 Start/finish on line to E of Denny Island.

Note:
Denny Island dries - no get out. Avonmouth Docks. Extensive shallows, sand banks + mud flats. Large tidal range + fast flows.


Neath Port Talbot

(Wales) 12 pts

Boundary 1: SS 768,830 Line NE of wpt to mouth of Afon Cynffig, Kenfig Sands.
Boundary 2: SS 696,901 Start/finish red can bouy Fl.R.5s

Note:
Port Talbot Harbour. Training walls in entrance to River Neath.


Newport

(Wales) 21 pts

Boundary 1: ST 458,809 Start/finish on line to E of Denny Island.
Boundary 2: ST 254,774 Line NNW of wpt to Rumney Great Wharf.

Note:
Denny Island dries - no get out. Extensive shallows, sand banks + mud flats. Large tidal range + fast flows. No get out at either Boundary.


Pembrokeshire

(Wales) 127 pts

Boundary 1: SN 183,065 Line N of wpt. Close W of Telpyn Point.
Boundary 2: SN 157,490 Start/finish at beach at Poppit Sands.

Note:
Numerous MOD Ranges - research required. Entrances to Milford Haven + Fishguard Port. Ramsey Sound. Jack Sound.


Swansea

(Wales) 46 pts

Boundary 1: SS 696,901 Start/finish red can bouy Fl.R.5s
Boundary 2: SS 443,976 Start/finish at Whiteford Point Lighthouse - dries, get close-ish.

Note:
Swansea Harbour.


Vale of Glamorgan

(Wales) 42 pts

Boundary 1: ST 194,712 Line between wpt and Penarth Pier.
Boundary 2: SS 852,755 Between wpt and mouth of Afon Ogwr/River Ogmore.

Note:
Beware entrance Cardiff Harbour at Boundary 1. Barry Docks.






PSK Coastal Counties Challenge Info

* updated 16-Jan-2022 *

The Challenge

  • This is a high-level challenge that will require advanced and even elite level skills and knowledge.
  • As a paddler for this challenge you are expected to have advanced level skills in areas such as:
    • planning
    • tidal knowledge
    • technical paddling skills
    • navigation
    • and safety.
  • Much of the UK coastline is remote, exposed and subject to the vagaires of tide and weather. Do not underestimate it.
  • Avoid disturbance to wildlife at all times.

Format:

  • Each county has two boundaries, to complete the county you need to paddle from one boundary to the other.
  • The county can be paddled in either direction.
  • The paddle can be single or multi-day.
  • No portages allowed.
  • Teams or solo paddlers are eligible.
  • Each county has a number of points available, roughly depending on the distance involved ~1pt per km. We allocate the points.
  • A 50% bonus (of the county points) is awarded to the paddler(s) who first complete a county.
  • All 'first completions' finished on the same calendar day are eligible for the bonus.
  • A 20% bonus (of the county points) is awarded for any sequential completions.
  • A 'Sequential Completion': a paddle from the start boundary to the finish boundary, with each intervening leg in the same direction and starting where the previous leg finished.
  • Single day completions are classed as sequential.
  • Points are recorded per individual.
  • Paddle legs must be recorded by GPS. No GPS track - no points.
  • No entries from within organised events
  • GB Circumnav, Ireland Circumnav, Wales Circumnav and Scotland Circumnav paddles are not eligible for this challenge.
  • Any islands completed as part of this challenge will also be recorded on the Performance Sea Kayak - Performance Circumnav webpages as applicable.
  • Send in your GPS file via email:
  • (A guide how to download a .gpx file from STRAVA here).

The Counties

  • We have tried to stick to 'county boundaries' as much as possible, however we have tweaked things here and there, for convenience or safety. Please note that this is a paddling challenge, not a lesson on or a debate into the various kinds of local government or historical boundaries within the UK. See it for what it is. However please let us know if we have made any glaring errors.
  • These counties have varying levels of difficulty. Some are short, some are long, some may only be possible on rare occasions. All this is part of the challenge. You need to make the decision personally whether you can or even should attempt then. Just because it is in the list does not necessarily mean it should be attempted!

Boundaries:

  • The county list gives a 6 figure OS/British National Grid ref for boundary 1 and boundary 2 of each county. Please use these, unless you deem them unsafe at any time.
  • The county boundaries set in the challenge are no more than a start and finish point for the purpose of this challenge:
  • THESE BOUNDARIES MAKE NO CLAIM TO SAFETY, CONVENIENCE OR RIGHT OF PASSAGE. YOU NEED TO RESEARCH ANY CHOSEN LEG AND SET A PADDLING PLAN AND RISK ASSESSMENT ACCORDINGLY.
  • Many county boundaries have no practical launch/landing points nearby.

Notes:

  • Most counties in the list have a small note added with points of interest. This is only a short aide-memoire for OUR purposes and not designed to be an exhaustive list. YOU need to research each chosen route in detail.

Northern Ireland:

  • Currently we don't have detailed mapping of Northern Ireland, we are working on it and will add N.I. as soon as we can. Apologies.

Islands:

  • We have 'awarded' certain islands notional county status for this challenge.

Safety:

  • Safety is YOUR responsibility. This challenge aims to give you goals and a format to paddle to, that is all.
  • THIS CHALLENGE MAKES NO CLAIM AT ALL THAT ANY OR ALL PARTS OF THESE ROUTES ARE DEEMED SAFE TO PADDLE.
  • ALL PADDLERS MUST UNDERTAKE A RISK ASSESSMENT BEFORE SETTING OUT AND UNDERSTAND THE TASK AT HAND. PLAN AND PADDLE ACCORDINGLY.
  • You really do need to think these paddles through before you go!
  • Read the safety summary below.

Mud and Quicksand:

  • Large areas of the UK coastline involve extensive amounts of mud and quicksand along the water's edge. Understand this as a significant life-threatening hazard and avoid accordingly.

Ports, Harbours and Shipping Channels:

  • The UK Coastline has many ports, harbours and shipping channels. Some are very busy areas with shipping confined to narrow channels. Only cross at the designated crossing points and directions, contact port authorities as required. You most comply with all instructions, advice and byelaws at all times. If in doubt then do not cross!

Firing Ranges:

  • There are numerous ranges along the UK coastline. You need to research the specific details and timings and only enter a range when and where it is allowed to do so. You most comply with all instructions, advice and byelaws at all times.

Craft

  • Kayak, Ski, SUP or Canoe - Any craft you choose must be specifically designed to be suitable for your chosen venue and conditions, and it must be in a seaworthy and safe condition.
  • All paddlers should be capable and experienced in 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.)
  • We do not consider inflatable craft as suitable for this challenge.

Assistance

  • No sails, motors, support craft etc. - human paddle power only.
  • No assistance from outside the paddling group.

Safety Summary!

  • All paddlers must undertake an assessment of risk - for their chosen route, venue, 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).
  • Ensure your route avoids any exclusions or danger areas. Avoid shipping channels where possible and follow all local/national regulations as applicable.
  • We make no claim or assurance that any of the counties listed are fully navigable. YOU need to research and plan to ensure they are a safe and realistic proposition.
  • 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 leashes should be worn where applicable (helmets on moving/shallow water - quick-release leashes on Skis, SUP's etc where necessary).
  • All craft are to be rendered unsinkable, either by manufacturer design (bulkheads etc.) or via extra buoyancy devices (fitted airbags etc.)
  • 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.
  • If you choose to paddle solo be aware of the significant extra risks involved.
  • If you have any doubts - THEN DO NOT GO!

* Info updated 16-Jan-2022 *





Send in your GPS file via email:

Read the PSK Safety Page

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