Performance Sea Kayak Info
Escort Boats
'Escort: person or persons accompanying another or others for protection, guidance, or courtesy.'
The use of Escort Boats within attempts has been highlighted where applicable.
It is not possible to directly compare a record that was undertaken solo, or within a self contained team, with one that was accompanied by an escort boat - especially where open crossings are concerned.
An escort may provide a significant advantage through providing assistance in areas of navigation, pacing, supplies, safety and, not least of all, morale. The higher level of risk that an un-escorted trip involves must be taken into account during the planning stages.
For the purpose of the PSK site an Un-Escorted trip is one where there are no pre-arranged measures are put in place for on the water safety cover or assistance - that is no boat on the water either travelling alongside or shadowing/awaiting at a distance. Any such arrangement is classed as an Escorted paddle.