SuspensionBridgePAddlers

Menai Challenge:
Medium Course - All Times

The Menai Challenge is a self-timed time-trial where paddlers can test planning, strategy, skill and fitness over a Time Trial course within the Menai Straits.

Challenge Course:
Challenge Course is a shorter but more technical course. Start and finish under the white girder bridge to St George's Pier. 3 turn points: Brittania Bridge and Gored Goch - with a return to round St George's Pier in between!and - 4 runs through the Swellies!

Course:

  • Start and Finish
    • At the white girder bridge to St George's Pier (Pier San Siôr)
  • Route:
    • Start at the girder bridge.
    • 3 turn points: Gored Goch, St George's Pier, Briattania Bridge.
    • Paddle into the Swellies and turn around either Gored Goch (GG) or Brittania Bridge (BB - central pillar).
    • Turn around St George's Pier.
    • Return to the Swellies and round the turn point still outstanding (BB or GG).
    • Return to finish at the white girder bridge.
    • Direction and Swellies turn point order is down to you.
  • Timing:
    • Time yourself.
    • Clock starts/stops as you pass beneath the white girder bridge.
  • This is a self-timed TT. Record it on GPS and send us the .gpx or .tcx file. Please no screen grabs.
  • The Menai Challenge is open to any craft suitable and safe to paddle through the Swellies.
  • Be aware the Menai Strait, and especially the Swellies, is an area of fast moving and shallow water at times, with numerous rocks.
  • Avoid disturbance to any wildlife. Birds may roost and seals may haul out on the islands at times.
  • Note: We consider the Menai Challenge series of TT courses as moving water sea paddling: treat any attempt as a sea paddling trip - choose your craft, prepare and paddle accordingly.
  • Read and apply the safety notes at the bottom of the page.
  • Details below

Course design by John Willacy. Contact PSK for further details.


The Menai Challenge is an Unsupervised Standing Challenge





Menai Challenge: Challenge Course - All Times

Route Distance: ~4.6 nm / 8.5 km
Prevailing direction: N/A

Click column header to sort.
Posn.K1WCatPaddlerElapsedDateBoatNoteLink1
1K1MJohn Willacy00:46:0718-Jun-16Rockpool Taran 18
2K1MJonny Eldridge00:46:1715-Jan-19Rockpool Taran 18
3K1MJohn Willacy00:46:2104-Oct-16Rockpool Taran 18
4K1MJohn Willacy00:47:0223-Jan-17Rockpool Taran 18
5K1MJohn Willacy00:47:2513-Aug-18Rockpool Taran 18
6K1MJohn Willacy00:47:3226-Feb-15Rockpool Taran 18
7K1MJohn Willacy00:47:5307-Apr-15Rockpool Taran 18
8K1MJohn Willacy00:47:5616-Jan-19Rockpool Taran 18
9K1MJohn Willacy00:47:5709-Jul-17Rockpool Taran 18
10K1MJohn Willacy00:48:0101-Oct-15Rockpool Taran 18
11K1MJohn Willacy00:48:0704-Aug-16Rockpool Taran 18
12K1MJeff Parker00:48:0801-Sep-17Rockpool Taran 18
13K1MJohn Willacy00:48:1217-May-17Rockpool Taran 18
14K1MJonny Eldridge00:48:3528-May-18Rockpool Taran 18
15K1MJohn Willacy00:48:4307-Aug-20Rockpool Taran 18
16K1MJohn Willacy00:48:4824-Sep-15Rockpool Taran 18
17K1MJohn Willacy00:48:5616-Jul-19Rockpool Taran 18
18K1MJohn Willacy00:49:1130-Jul-18Rockpool Taran 18
19K1MJohn Willacy00:49:1319-Oct-15Rockpool Taran 18
20K1MJohn Willacy00:49:2724-Sep-15Rockpool Taran 18
21K1MJohn Willacy00:49:4209-Oct-20Rockpool Taran 18
22K1MJohn Willacy00:49:4309-May-22Rockpool Taran 18
23K1MJohn Willacy00:50:1310-Sep-15Rockpool Taran 18
24K1MJohn Willacy00:50:1723-Jan-17Rockpool Taran 18
25K1MJohn Willacy00:50:1930-Jul-23Rockpool Taran 16
26K1MJohn Willacy00:50:2707-Jan-18Rockpool Taran 18
26K1MJohn Willacy00:50:2727-Feb-24Rockpool Taran 18
28K1MJohn Willacy00:51:1924-Jan-16Rockpool Taran 18
29K1MSteve Miles00:52:2620-Jun-19Rockpool Taran 18
30K1MAled Williams00:52:2715-Jun-16Tiderace Pace 18
31K1MSteve Miles00:52:4410-Dec-15Rockpool Taran 18
32K1MJohn Willacy00:52:4909-Feb-16Rockpool Taran 18
33(1)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:53:2204-Oct-16Rockpool Taran 18
34(2)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:53:3013-Aug-18Rockpool Taran 18
35(3)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:53:3109-Oct-20Rockpool Taran 18
36K1MJohn Willacy00:53:3211-Apr-24Rockpool Taran 16
37(4)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:53:3709-Jul-17Rockpool Taran 18
38K1MSteve Miles00:53:4014-Aug-17Rockpool Taran 18
39(5)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:53:5804-Aug-16Rockpool Taran 18
40K1MRichard Peevor00:54:1704-Oct-16Rockpool Taran 18
41K1MMark'Baggy' Richards00:54:1926-Jul-15Rockpool Taran 18
42K1MRichard Peevor00:54:3009-Jul-17Rockpool Taran 18
43K1MDave Cutts00:54:3604-May-22Rockpool Taran 16
44(6)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:54:4029-Jul-19Rockpool Taran 18
45K1MJeff Parker00:54:4407-Jan-18Rockpool Taran 18
46(7)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:54:4807-Aug-20Rockpool Taran 18
47K1MBryan Dickinson00:54:5003-Apr-16Rockpool Tarantella
48(8)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:55:1018-Jun-16Rockpool Taran 18
49K1MRichard Griffiths Hughes00:55:1607-Aug-18Rockpool Taran 18
50K1MBryan Dickinson00:55:2522-Mar-16Rockpool Tarantella
51K1MNorbert Ziober00:55:3409-Jul-17Rockpool Taran 18
52K1MDave Cutts00:55:3628-Mar-19Rockpool Taran 16
53(9)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:55:3812-Jul-23Rockpool Taran 18
54(10)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:55:4007-Apr-15Rockpool Taran 18
55K1MJonny Eldridge00:56:0605-Sep-15Rockpool GT
56(11)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:56:0923-Jan-17Rockpool Taran 18
57(12)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:56:3908-Aug-21Rockpool Taran 18
58K1MDave Cutts00:56:4221-Jan-19Rockpool Taran 16
59SUP MChris Thorne00:57:0113-Nov-17Starboard Allstar 14'
60(13)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:57:0307-Jan-18Rockpool Taran 18
61(14)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:57:0926-Feb-15Rockpool Taran 18
62(15)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:57:4301-Oct-15Rockpool Taran 18
63(16)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:57:4708-Jan-24Rockpool Taran 18
64(17)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:57:4809-Jul-23Rockpool Taran 18
65(18)K1WPascale Eichenmuller00:58:0530-Jul-18Rockpool Taran 18
66K1MRichard Griffiths Hughes00:58:3029-Oct-17Rockpool GT
67SUP MChris Thorne00:59:0831-May-17Starboard Allstar 12'6
68K1MRichard Peevor01:00:0507-Apr-15SKUK Explorer HV
69K1MDave Cutts01:00:1102-Sep-21P+H Cetus MV
70SUP MChris Thorne01:01:3017-Apr-17Starboard Allstar 12'6
71K1MDave Cutts01:03:0207-Jan-18P+H Cetus
72K1MRichard Peevor01:03:5424-Jan-16SKUK Explorer HV
73K1MRichard Griffiths Hughes01:04:0607-Jan-18Rockpool GT
74SUP MChris Thorne01:04:1109-Jul-17Starboard Allstar 12'6
75K1MDave Cutts01:04:5501-Jan-18P+H Cetus
76(19)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:04:5601-Jan-18Rockpool Taran 18
77K1MJohn Willacy01:04:5701-Jan-18Rockpool Taran 18
78(20)K1WAnita Daimond01:06:3703-Apr-16Rockpool Isel
79SUP MChris Thorne01:07:4601-Apr-17Starboard 12'6 tourer (inflatable)
80SUP MChris Thorne01:11:3006-Mar-17Red Sport 11' Inflatable
81K1MMark'Baggy' Richards01:12:2619-Jul-15Islander Expedition
82SUP MChris Thorne01:15:0127-Feb-17Red Sport 11' Inflatable
83SUP MChris Thorne01:15:2025-Nov-16Red Sport 11' Inflatable
84(21)K1WKathy Webb01:21:0007-Jan-18Valley Avocet
85K1MDave Cutts01:47:3505-Jan-20P+H Cetus
85K1MLorenzo Cutts01:47:3505-Jan-20Valley Avocet
85(22)K1WAlison Davies01:47:3505-Jan-20Rockpool Alaw Bach
85K1MBryan Dickinson01:47:3505-Jan-20Rockpool Taran 16
85(22)K1WPascale Eichenmuller01:47:3505-Jan-20Rockpool Taran 18
85(22)K1WSarah Gardener01:47:3505-Jan-20P+H Vela?
85K1MChris Gash01:47:3505-Jan-20Rockpool Taran 18
85K1MElliot Goddard01:47:3505-Jan-20Rockpool Taran 18
85K1MJohn Willacy01:47:3505-Jan-20Rockpool Taran 18
85K1MJames Wingfield01:47:3505-Jan-20Foster Vynek
85(22)K1WPenny Wingfield01:47:3505-Jan-20Valley Nordkapp LV
85(22)K1WJenny Wong01:47:3505-Jan-20Rockpool Tarantella
97K1MRichard Griffiths Hughes01:47:3605-Jan-20Rockpool Taran 16

Summary:

Menai Challenge: Challenge Course
Route Distance: ~4.6 nm / 8.5 km
Prevailing direction: N/A

Total runs: 0

Menai Challenge Time Trial - Challenge Course - Information


Format

  • Start and Finish
    • At the white girder bridge to St George's Pier (Pier San Siôr)
  • Route:
    • Start at the girder bridge.
    • 3 turn points: Gored Goch, St George's Pier, Briattania Bridge.
    • Paddle into the Swellies and turn around either Gored Goch (GG) or Brittania Bridge (BB - central pillar).
    • Turn around St George's Pier.
    • Return to the Swellies and round the turn point still outstanding (BB or GG).
    • Return to finish at the white girder bridge.
    • Direction and Swellies turn point order is down to you.
  • Timing:
    • Time yourself.
    • Clock starts/stops as your body passes beneath the white girder bridge.

  • This is a self-timed TT. Record it on GPS and send us the .gpx or .tcx file. Please no screen grabs.
  • Avoid disturbance to any wildlife. Birds may roost on Ynys Welltog and seals may haul out on Ynys Benlas at times.
  • Be aware the Menai Strait, and especially the Swellies, is an area of fast moving and shallow water at times, with numerous rocks.

Submit a lap

Craft

  • Kayak, Ski, SUP or Canoe - Any craft you choose must be designed for and suitable for dynamic open water conditions. It must be rendered unsinkable, and 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.)
  • You must be able to self-rescue / re-enter your chosen craft in open water.

  • Skis: The Menai Strait can be shallow and rocky in places, especially in The Swellies. Bear this in mind if you are paddling with an understern rudder!
  • Leashes: If you use a leash be aware that the Menai Strait has numerous fixed obstacles and fast moving water at times. You MUST be able to release your leash in a moving water entrapment situation.
  • We do not consider inflatable kayaks/canoes as suitable for this challenge.

Assistance

  • No sails, motors, support craft etc. - human paddle power only.

Safety

  • Note: We consider the Menai Challenge series of TT courses as moving water sea paddling: treat any attempt as a sea paddling trip - choose your craft, prepare and paddle accordingly.
  • All paddlers must undertake an assessment of risk - for their chosen route, venue, activity, 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).
  • Avoid boat/shipping channels where possible and follow all local/national regulations as applicable.
  • 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 quick-release leashes should be worn where applicable as deemed necessary by the paddler's own risk assessment.
  • ALL paddlers (inc. SUPS) are strongly advised to wear a helmet. This course is likely to involve shallow and moving water.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • If you choose to paddle solo be aware of the significant extra risks involved.
  • If you have any doubts - THEN DO NOT GO!

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How To Submit A Time/Paddle.

SAFETY