The original idea remains - choose an island, paddle around it, send us the GPS track.
You get points for each km around the island.
The larger the island the more points you get.
But for 2025 you also get points for the overall trip distance (1 pt per km), as well as the island points!
So the further you paddle, the more points you get.
Simple.
2025 points system:
Any island -- 1 pt per km + 33% bonus (rounded to nearest whole point)
Island points are multiplied by the number of laps completed for that island
1 pt per km of overall trip distance is now added to the final total.
Any island -- 1 pt per km + 33% bonus (rounded to nearest whole point)
Any points per island are multiplied by the number of laps for that island
Then 1 pt per km of overall trip distance is added to the final total.
Format
This is a collaborative challenge, please enter into the spirit of things.
Open to Solo paddlers, Teams and K2/Doubles. Paddlers are recorded individually.
Circumnavs may be single or multi-day, but are to be undertaken within a 'continuous trip'.
All circumnavs to be recorded on GPS.
Points are allocated for the distance around each island (see below).
Any island is to be circumnavigated with a distinct full-lap circumnavigation which completes at 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 in order to count. Please paddle all the way around the island before moving on to the next one! (See image below)
For a number of islands encompassed inside one single lap, points will be given for the largest island inside the group only - exception below:
Smaller islands added on the way around a larger island may count only if the larger island is greater than 30 km around.
No portages allowed.
Repeated Laps: Any points per island are multiplied by the number of laps for that island
Island Challenge paddles are eligible to 'double-up' on other PSK pages 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 entries from paddles within organised events
Avoid disturbance to wildlife at all times.
Submit a lap
Send in your .gpx or .tcx or .fit file. We'll do the admin.
Send the file. Please NOT SCREEN GRABS!
Send in your GPS file via email:
If you want help to download your .gpx file from STRAVA: Here's a guide.
Please send in your paddle within 4 weeks of the date paddled or it may be excluded. If this is not possible then let us know.
End of year paddles need to reach us by 2nd January of the following year or they may be excluded.
Note: If your island lap is also eligible for other PSK pages (i.e. an island that is recorded on the Circumnav pages for example) then we expect to display it on all eligible pages.
Points and Islands
All islands - 1 pt per km around + 33% bonus (rounded up or down to nearest whole point. i.e. 1.33 pts per km))
Lap Points = island circumnav points x number of laps for that island
Total Points = (island points x num laps) + trip distance (km)
Trip distance points is only added once to the total
Eligible islands - if it's named on reputable map or chart you can have it. Even named 'rocks'.
Named features under 1km around will be awarded 1 pt.
Un-named features don't count.
Multiple laps of 1pt features: For multiple lap paddles of greater than 10 laps, each lap must be greater than 2 mins in length.
Distances as measured by PSK and will be taken as the shortest possible paddleable distance around.
Note: Defining an island for this challenge is difficult with so many variations - please be reasonable.
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 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.)
Different craft may be used for different circumnavs.
We do not consider inflatable craft as suitable for this challenge.
Assistance
No assistance from outside the paddling group.
No motors, support craft etc.
Kayak/canoe sails are allowed within the 1000 Island Challenge - for untimed runs.
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 your chosen route is 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!
Circumnavigating multiple islands (from Kate Duffus) - click to enlarge.