1000 Islands Challenge Leaderboard - 2026

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Islands

PSK 1000 Islands Challenge 2026 - Info

Points system for 2026

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 plus the overall trip distance (see below).
• Any island is to be circumnavigated with a distinct full-lap circumnavigation which completes at the start point for that island lap. You must paddle fully around the island.
• 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.

Points and Islands

• All islands - 1.33 pts per km of circumnav distance (rounded up or down to nearest whole point.)
• 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 are 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 minutes long.
• 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.

Submit a lap

• Please send the GPS file via email - we can work with .gpx or .tcx or .fit files.
• Send the file - NOT A SCREEN GRAB PLEASE! No GPS file - No Entry!
• Send your file to:
• If you want help to download your .gpx file from STRAVA: Here's a guide.
• Paddles should be submitted within 8 weeks of trip date or they may not be accepted.
• We may accept backdated paddlers from Short-season paddlers (new to the 1000 Islands Challenge part-way through the season) unless this means you take a top 5 position and no later than 1st November.
• From 1st December each year paddles will not be accepted later than trips 3 weeks prior.
• End of year paddles need to reach us no later than 2nd January of the following year.
• 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.

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 and any other significant factors.
• 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 wherever possible and follow all local/national/international regulations as applicable.
• We make no claim or assurance that any of the islands listed are fully navigable. YOU need to research, assess 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 iaw with national governing body recommendations).
• 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.

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