This new PSK Challenge is a collaborative affair. Here we invite the sea paddling community to join together to attempt a circumnavigation of as many islands of the UK + Ireland as possible.
Pick an island, paddle around it, send us the GPS file and we'll do the admin. Simple.
No times are recorded on this one, it's just about bagging the islands. Take an hour, take a week, take a month - it doesn't matter. Just paddle around (safely).
For an added twist: each island is worth points (roughly 1 point per km of circumnav), with 5 Bonus Points for the first cicrumnav of an island!
The larger the island, or the more times you go, the more points you get.
You can bag as many islands as you want, go around the same one until you wear grooves in the water, or just go for a 'biggie'. It's your call.
So is it time to paddle around your dream island? Or perhaps tick off a classic? Maybe you want to be the first to complete a sneaky unknown or just chase those points? Whatever you fancy, let's shake off that Covid gloom and go bag an island or two...
This is a collaborative challenge, please enter into the spirit of things.
Open to Solo paddlers, Teams and K2/Doubles. Paddlers are recorded individually.
All circumnavs to be recorded on GPS.
Send in your .gpx (.fit or .tcx) file (no screen grabs!) and we'll do the admin.
Points are allocated for each island (~1pt per km of shortest-distance circumnav). The longer the map circumnav the more points.
Each island is to be circumnavigated with a distinct full-lap circumnavigation which returns to the start point for that island lap.
For multiple-islands in one trip, each island must have a distinct full-lap circumnav before moving onto the next island - please paddle all the way around the island before moving on! (See image below)
No portages allowed.
5 Bonus Points are awarded to the first circumnav of an island.
Repeated attempts on an island are fine - they all count.
Island Challenge paddles are eligible to 'double-up' on other PSK pages where applicable (and vice-versa) i.e. an Isle of Wight Circumnav can be submitted for both Islands Challenge and Isle of Wight Circumnav pages.
UK Mainland and Ireland circumnavs are excluded.
No backdated paddles. Start Date: 01-Jan-21
Send in your circumnav via email or Messenger: facebook.com/PerformanceSeaKayak. (A guide how to download a .gpx file from Strava here).
Islands
Our list of islands is not definitive, send us suggestions.
To keep it realistic we have defined an island as a minimum of 1km to paddle around (at HW).
We will consider smaller islands if they are named as such on OS Maps or Admiralty/Imray Charts (or if we just like the sound of the place).
Craft
Sea kayak, Ski or SUP. 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.
Different craft may be used for different circumnavs.
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
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 islands 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.
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!
Circumnavigating multiple islands (from Kate Duffus) - click to enlarge.