Performance Sea Kayak2

Menai Challenge TTs

• Menai Full
• Menai Medium
• Menai Mini
• Sea Zoo

• Results
• PBs
• All Times

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

• Send in your .gpx or .tcx or .fit file. We'll do the admin.
• Send in your GPS file via email:
• Send the file. Please NOT SCREEN GRABS!
• If you want help to download your .gpx file from STRAVA: Here's a guide.

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!

Return to top of page