PSK Islands Challenge

This one is new for 2021 and it's a collaborative affair, as we set the PSK paddling community the challenge of circumnavigating as many of the UK islands as possible.

Pick an island, paddle around it, send us the GPS 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 - we don't care. Just get around (safely).

To add a twist, each island is worth a number of points: roughly 1 point per km of circumnav.
You can bag as many islands as you want, go around the same one until you wear grooves in the water, or just 'go long'... it's your call.
The further you paddle or the more times you go, the more points you get.

Do it for the 'island bagging cause', round your dream island, be the first to bag a classic (or a sneaky unknown), chase those points, or just do it for the hell of it. We don't care why, we just want you to do it! Let's tick 'em off...

Format

• Open to Solo paddlers, Teams and K2/Doubles. Paddlers will be recorded individually.
• All circumnavs to be recorded by GPS.
• Send in your .gpx file (NOT A SCREEN-GRAB!) and we'll do the admin.
• Each island has a set number of points available - the longer the circumnav the more points. We decide how many points for each island.
• Repeated attempts on the same island are fine - they all count. (But don't forget the others!)
• Each circumnav to be a 'separate' circumnav i.e. multiple islands close together each require distinct full-lap circumnavs (unless indicated otherwise).
• Island Challenge paddles are eligible to 'double-up' on other PSK pages where applicable (and vice-versa) i.e. an Anglesey Circumnav can be submitted for both Islands Challenge and Anglesey Circumnav pages.
• UK Mainland and Ireland circumnavs are excluded.
• Backdated paddles are not eligible. Start Date: 1-Jan-21
• Send in your circumnav via Facebook - Performance Sea Kayak



Islands

• Our list of islands is not definitive, we see it as a work-in-progress. Let us know via facebook message or email if you have an island to add.
• To prevent us being swamped with every bit of lone rock out there, for this challenge we define an island as a minimum of 2km to paddle around (at HW).
• We'll 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, or if it means a lot to you...



Craft

• Sea kayak, Ski, SUP - whatever. All we ask is that any craft you choose must be specifically designed to be suitable for the chosen venue and conditions. It is to be in a seaworthy and safe condition.
• All paddlers should be capable and experienced in paddling their chosen craft safely in all possible conditions.
• 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 and conditions.
• 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 regulations.
• 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.
• Ensure you and your group are capable of handling any conditions or hazards possible on your chosen route.
• Paddlers are to wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) at all times whilst on the water.
• Helmets and Leashes should be worn where appropriate (helmets on moving water - leashes on Skis, SUP's etc on open water).
• All craft 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 appropriate.
• If you choose to paddle solo be aware of the significant extra risks involved.
• If you have any doubts - THEN DO NOT GO!

** The PSK Island Challenge is an unsupervised standing challenge.   Read The Safety Page **

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Submit a time here.

Read The Safety Page