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Update October 30th 2022 (long overdue)
I successfully completed my Jurassic Coast Challenge back in August. You may have read about it elsewhere but just in case you didn't, below are my blogs from social media about the adventure. Pictures below too!
Jurassic 24 part 1.
The Push To Portland.
Getting past Portland Bill by 19.15 was my target for the first stint. The tide flows around this famous headland can be fast, faster than I can paddle - I really wanted to avoid that!
Leaving Knoll Beach, Studland 10 minutes later than hoped, I waved goodbye to Chloë, Oly and Liz (and her two children) and set off to the start point at Old Harry Rocks, the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast and the youngest end of this World Heritage Site at just 65 million years old. There are a few stories behind the naming of Old Harry, one being the name given to the devil, who used to sit on the rocks awaiting sailors. Good job I'm a kayaker not a sailor.
A quick radio call to Solent Coastguard to confirm the start and off I went - keeping with my usual challenge traits of paddling towards the prevailing south westerlies, although the wind was from the south east for this part of the trip.
I started just a couple of minutes later than planned, but by my standards that was quite impressive, and paddled towards Swanage and Peverill Point, where one can usually expect some kind a tide race (where water moves differently due to some kind of constriction, often around a headland).
There was a sea mist, which only seemed to add to the drama of the Jurassic Coast landscape.
It wasn't too bad and I soon flew past thanks to the tide being in my favour a little sooner than expected. It wasn't long before I had passed Durlston Head and was making great progress past the old quarries and caves of Seacombe and Winspit. Approaching St. Albans (or Aldheims) head, I was checking the sea for overfalls as this headland can be quite bad. Thankfully it was fast but calm as I rounded the headland to be greeted by the sight of Chapman's Pool to my right.
Many of my long-term followers will perhaps know that this is the spiritual home of Clean Jurassic Coast. Most of the team met here for the first time and we've had many a beach clean mission in this area, sometimes removing in excess of 100k gs of marine plastic in one day thanks to the south westerly winter storms pushing it all into the cove.
Leaving Chappies, I was soon zooming past Kimmeridge, another plastic hotspot. By now the wind had picked up a touch and was hitting me on my left rear, trying to turn the kayak out to sea. I counter acted it by altering my paddling technique, but after an hour or so my left shoulder started to ache so I pulled onto a beach near Mupe Bay, and shifted stuff inside the kayak to place more weight in the stern.
This definitely helped, if this wind kept up, the weight shift would also help my crossing of Weymouth Bay to Portland later.
Before too long I had passed the entrance to Lulworth Cove and paddled through Durdle Door where I was greeted by @ems_shaw and Adam, my work colleagues. After a quick chat and a snack, I cracked on to White Nothe before making my crossing to Portland, which was partially obscured in low cloud. This crossing was expected to take about 2 hours, and I really wanted to make Portland Bill by 19.15 to beat the more powerful tide flows against me down the other side to Chesil Cove.
I later noticed my tracker had stopped working between Lulworth Cove and White Nothe, which was a shame as I would have loved to see my track across the bay. I believe a banana skin was the cause. After consuming one, I chucked the skin on the kayak deck (not in the sea!) which in turn covered the tracker. Typical.
I paddled with some fervour to Portland Bill, met a gentleman called Mike (I think) who had kindly paddled out to meet me and wish me luck - sorry I couldn't hang about and chat, I really wanted to beat that tide!
I made the Bill at 19.15, exactly on schedule. It was flat calm too - another headland where the sea could be quite nasty but wasn't. Luck was on my side so far!
@derryclimbs and his wife Kerry, plus young ones, were there waving and cheering. It's Derry's fault I was doing this in the first place - I was inspired by the 23.5 hour Jurassic Coast run he did last year.
After a few quick snaps of the famous lighthouse, I continued paddling along the west side of the Bill, now with the tide against me but not affecting my pace as much as expected.
I said hello to a couple of seals, waved to Derry et al who were shouting from the cliffs, and as the sun started it's drop into the sea, I weaved through a few rocks to find I had arrived at Chesil Cove, my first rest stop, 30 minutes ahead of schedule.
Chloë was there to wave me in with Gordon, Derry, Kerry and their children were there too.
So far so good and I took the extra time to fuel up and hydrate properly before the night shift. Chloë my Angel legged it to find me some isotonic drinks after she suggested I should have more than the 3 I carried. I trusted her advice as she has swum the English Channel a record 44 times and knows what she is talking about!
Whilst she was gone I managed to trip on the Chesil pebbles and fall backwards over the kayak - no harm done though!
It was time for the overnight section to Charmouth. The tide would be against me for about 6 hours or so so I was expecting a bit of a slog.
It turned out to be a lot more than that though.
Jurassic 24 part 2.
A Long and Lonely Night.
It was 21.00, the sun had set and the light was fading fast. I launched Just Add Water, saying goodbye to everyone, and started to paddle along Chesil.
I always knew this would be hard. Not only would I have the tide against me for a good 6 hours or so, it would also be dark. I had planned to do the featureless Chesil Beach overnight knowing it would mean relying on my compass, especially if there was cloud cover too. Although Chesil shouldn't be difficult to navigate at night, I couldn't rule out the chance of mist or fog and any navigators out there will understand that a compass bearing is all well and good, but it's nice to have something to aim at - it helps to show your heading isn't off. I had nothing behind me either.
I was barely a few hundred metres from the beach before I started faffing about with the position of my marker lights (dazzling me), checking my phone to make sure the tracker was working and to see if the tide flows had miraculously changed in my favour.
The first hour dragged and I was a little disappointed to see I had only covered 2.5 miles. I was hoping for at least 3 to 3.5. Still, all that faffing hadn't helped and there I was back on the phone checking to see how far I had travelled. These things all take time, and I was getting anxious about time. Come on Roy... concentrate!
The clouds came and went and came back. For a while I used the stars to help navigate but the cloud cover was frustrating. I tried to use some light on a far away hill, but soon realised they were car headlights. Not the most accurate thing for a bearing.
The moon occasionally popped out behind me offering a little extra light which was nice. I saw the last remnants of the annual Perseid Meteor Shower, witnessing at least 7. It could have been more but I was not in a good place at times and feeling quite low.
It's a strange thing paddling at night. I've done it plenty of times and have always enjoyed it. This was the first time I had paddled ALONE at night. There was nobody around, my friends had gone home, Chloë had gone for some much needed sleep and I had nothing but the occasional shipping forecast on the VHF keeping me company. I'm usually very comfortable in my own company, but I was really struggling this time and I had to will myself to not keep checking my phone - I had to really concentrate on my heading.
I found that staying a little closer to shore meant I could hear the waves crashing upon the shingle. Occasionally there would be some beach anglers, which meant heading offshore again to avoid their lines. I swear they were having a "Who has the brightest headtorch" competition which totally killed my night vision if I looked their way - hard to avoid when you are searching for things to guide you.
I would love to say I was doing okay but I was really struggling. One hour dragged into two, two into three. I found myself making it worse by checking the time far too often, sometimes only a few minutes after the last check.
I ate a snack every hour but realised I hadn't been drinking much so forced myself to down some isotonic fluids too.
My left shoulder was still aching from the first stint, thanks to the wind. I was trying to ignore it.
On the plus side it was warm, the sea was calm and there was no boat traffic.
I passed Abbotsbury an hour behind schedule, which was adding to my low esteem. I was SO slow!
I could just make out some hills in the background to my right, but because they were so far away it felt as though I wasn't making progress as they didn't seem to move. Eventually I spotted the harbour entrance lights of West Bay and breathed a sigh of relief at finally having something tangible to head for. Amazing how the simple things can cheer you up, I think I sped up a little too.
After passing West Bay I could see something weird in the water ahead. I became fixated on it, wondering what it was. It looked like an odd shaped buoy but it didn't seem to get any closer. I was wracking my brains trying to figure it out until a good hour later when it finally dawned on me - it was Lyme Regis. Sometimes I'm such an idiot.
Shortly after that epiphany I avoided the rocks at base of Golden Cap (highest Point on the South Coast) and spied a light ahead. Feeling hopeful it was the car park on Charmouth sea front I started paddling a bit harder, the tide had started to help me now as well and I closed in on the beach and my second rest stop, looking forward to some porridge and a hot chocolate. I was now only 30 minutes behind schedule and I still had a couple hours of leeway to beat the 24 hour mark.
On approach to the beach I saw a torch flash. Hoping it was friend not foe, I homed in and landed in some small surf on the beach next to Gordon. What a legend! Exactly what I needed after a tough night - a friendly face.
I quickly boiled some water on my stove, made a hot chocolate and some porridge. I was definitely feeling out of sorts but at least the night was starting to give way to dawn. Gordon was doing a sterling job in keeping my spirits up. Thanks mate, I won't forget that.
After a good feed and a hot drink, I was feeling ready(ish) for the last third of this challenge. The final 24 miles was at least mainly with the tide and I knew the coastline pretty well around here and it generally isn't a nasty area to paddle. Even though I was getting pretty tired after nearly 60 miles of paddling, I wasn't expecting it to be too difficult.
I was wrong.
Jurassic 24 part 3.
What Happened To Sidmouth?
The final section of this challenge started as night turned into day.
Leaving Charmouth and Gordon with a cheery goodbye, I paddled across to Lyme Regis, the cause of my confusing thoughts in the early hours.
Full of porridge and hot chocolate, I felt so much better than an hour earlier - thanks also to Gordon cheering me up.
As the day got brighter, I paddled past some of my favourite parts of the Jurassic Coast. The fossil pavement - an area that has ammonites bigger than my feet showing in the rocks. The wreck of the Fairway, a trawler that grounded on its maiden voyage in the 1980's. The Undercliffs and Goat Island near Seaton, the site of a massive cliff fall on Christmas Eve in 1839. Such a rich history and subjects for a another story telling day in the future (another cliffhanger?).
I made good progress past these areas, the joys of having the tide flow on my side, and soon approached Seaton Bay where I headed straight across to Beer Head. The northerly wind that had been forecast hit me hard as it blew out to sea, the Axe Valley funnelling it seemingly straight into the side of me and the kayak. The waves weren't too large but, along with the wind, made kayaking very awkward which resulted with a lot of paddling on my right side. Mixed with 20 hours of exertion I was definitely feeling it.
Eventually reaching Beer Head and some respite from the wind, my right shoulder was aching a lot. At least now I was balanced after the previous left shoulder problems!
I heard some shouting from the cliffs above me - Karen from @tidelineprints was waving and cheering at me - a much needed morale boost!
Spying Sidmouth in the distance, I continued onwards, still with a bit of a crosswind, and zipped past Branscombe. This area was another I knew well but for some reason looked completely different. It was almost unrecognisable, as was the coastline ahead as I got ever closer to Sidmouth.
It seemed alien.
Then Sidmouth moved about a mile to the left.
It literally jumped along the coast and relocated itself where Ladram Bay was just a few moments earlier. I closed my eyes, shook my head and, upon reopening I was pleased to see Sidmouth back where it was supposed to be.
Tiredness was getting to the point of hallucination - a little worrying!
Eating and drinking and contemplating my next move, I noticed a crab pot buoy with a flag. I could see the tide flowing around it and it was heading straight to the headland near Budleigh Salterton. Even better news was the flag blowing in the same direction. Even better than that, both were heading in the same direction that I needed to go so, with this news, and sure I wasn't hallucinating this time, I aimed the kayak at the Otterton Ledge headland and, with renewed vigour, paddled across the water.
This was so much better! With the wind at my back, the tide with me and a few waves to surf to keep me on the ball, I felt like I had picked up some speed too. Right up to the point I was aware of my paddling slowing down to a stop and then I just drifted momentarily.
It was like a clockwork toy running out of power and I was aware that I was actually trying to fall asleep. I jumped in the kayak as I realised I was close to a capsize. That woke me up again!
I was in a potentially very dangerous situation here. I needed to keep myself awake and concentrate - I almost had the finish in sight. I ate some more food, drank an isotonic drink and set off again, determined to not let that happen again. Come on Roy! You can do this!
I carried on towards the headland, suddenly aware that my underarms were really hurting from my t-shirt rubbing under my cagoule. I stopped on a beach to remove the cag, I was sweating far too much under it anyway. Standing on the beach, I realised I needed to answer the call of nature too. You don't need details...
I think the quick stop did me good. Without wearing my cag my underarms felt free and although they still hurt, it was far more comfortable.
With less than an hour to go to the finish at Orcombe Point I nipped over Otterton Ledge, cruised past Budleigh Salterton and headed for Straight Point near Exmouth.
I sent a quick message to Chloë letting her know I'd be there within the hour and pushed as hard as I could, counting down the distance to keep my brain active and to keep the sleep demons away.
I was totally shattered but my spirits were high. Nothing was going to stop me now.
I rounded Straight Point, thankful the firing range wasn't active. The next headland was Orcombe Point. I had just 2 km (1.25 miles) to go.
I paddled past Sandy Bay, the finish line getting ever closer, and found Gordon drifting off the point in his kayak. Approaching the point I could see Chloë and my mate Tash up on the cliff.
Amid lots of cheers and shouting, I made it past Orcombe Point. Took the compulsory photos and videos, including footage of my stopwatch, and paddled the last little bit to the beach and end of this challenge.
To top it all off, Gordon told me there was a sewage warning in place - at least that meant there were no bathers for me to run over!
I slid onto the beach, somehow finding the energy to step out of the kayak, not fall out of it.
It was all a little bit of a blur. I was SO tired!
Lots of hugs and cheers with Chloë, Tash and Gordon (Who had to rescue my kayak which had decided to relaunch itself and continue) and even random strangers joining in with the cheers (not the hugs though) and I breathed a sigh of relief. 22 hours, 12 minutes and 45 seconds to paddle the Jurassic Coast.
Surprisingly I didn't spot a single item of plastic to fish out of the water during the whole trip I usually find something...
Somehow I beat the wind, the tide, exhaustion and the vision of Sidmouth switching location!
All that was left now was to load the kayak onto the van and find a decent meal. I had been living off porridge and muesli bars.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for supporting me and thank you for all the donations, which have topped £1200 now. The money will be split between Clean Jurassic Coast CIC and the Jurassic Coast Trust.
Update August 12th 2022
JURASSIC 24 IS UNDER A WEEK AWAY!
Looking at the weather forecast, Jurassic 24 looks like a go for next week.
I've been training... it helps doing swim safety - especially when doing circumnavigations of the Isle of Wight. On these events, I don't sleep for over 40 hours, I spend many hours in the kayak or on a RIB and I get to paddle at night too.
Recently I kayaked from Lulworth Cove to Weymouth, and then paddled back escorting that beautiful marathon swimmer Chloe McCardel.
Training is over now. The kayak needs a revarnish, which is today's job. My kit needs sorting and checking in readiness for my 24 hour paddling challenge. This may prove tougher than last years John O'Groats to Land's End trip. There has been some mega tidal planning for this one.
THERE WILL BE A LIVE TRACKER HERE
And Roy's Outdoor Life social media accounts will be updated along the way (LINKS ABOVE)!
Don't forget to donate here!
Thanks for supporting me and Clean Jurassic Coast CIC
UPDATE MAY 19th 2022
JURASSIC 24
Inspired by Derry's 23.5 hour charity Jurassic Coast run last year, I am planning to kayak the Jurassic Coast (JC) in under 24 hours.
This will be completely different from last year's Top Down Kayak Challenge. I won't be camping for a start and it’ll be done over a weekend rather than two months.
The JC is 95 miles long although kayaking it is a little less at roughly 80 miles. I am going to attempt to paddle my wooden kayak 'Just Add Water' the entire 80 miles in less than 24 hours.
As I kayak along, I will travel through time!
Well, sort of - this unique coastline covers 185 million years of history. From the 250 million year old red cliffs of the Triassic Period, the fossil-rich Jurassic, through to the white chalk of the Cretaceous Period from 65 million years ago, I shall be passing areas of such unique diversity, it's the only place on Earth where one can see all three periods from the Mesozoic Era - hence its World Heritage Site status.
Starting at Old Harry near Studland, I will be heading west to Exmouth. The first section to Chesil Beach will mean encountering the tide races of Old Harry, Peverill Point, Durlston Head, St. Aldheims Head, and Portland Bill. My timing will have to be pretty spot on so the tide flows assist me. Get it wrong and I could actually be in some trouble!
With the right tide, I shall zoom past Swanage, Chapman's Pool, Kimmeridge and Lulworth before crossing Weymouth Bay to Portland, hopefully before I run out of tidal assistance. Thanks to the way the tides work, I will then have to wait on Portland for a few hours before the tide comes back to my favour and helps me whizz around the Bill and along Chesil - this 4 hour stop will at least give me a chance to eat and rest before continuing with the remaining 50 miles or so.
As I kayak along the 18 mile stretch of Chesil Beach, day will turn into night and I will be relying on the light from the moon - unless it is cloudy! Cruising past West Bay, Eype and Seatown, the next rest stop will be Charmouth, hopefully in the early hours of the morning and I will have covered at least 55 miles by then. I'll take a short break to stretch my legs, have a bite to eat and then crack on with the remaining 25 miles.
The tide flows are fairly minimal along this stretch and I imagine I'll be pretty tired and struggling by the time I pass Seaton, Beer and Branscombe although I expect I'll be welcoming the dawn light by then. Sidmouth will be a welcome sight, the Ladram Sea Stacks should look fabulous in the morning sun and I'll push past Budleigh Salterton, the last town before the finish.
With any luck, a bit of determination and sheer will, I will hopefully reach Orcombe Point near Exmouth, breathe a sigh of relief, pull up on the beach and probably collapse.
It'll be worth it though because you lovely lot will have donated all your spare money to Clean Jurassic Coast CIC and the Jurassic Coast Trust.
Although the idea is to paddle unsupported, I am not averse to some company on the water with me - but it will be at your risk and at my speed!
As usual, you’ll be able to follow me online with my live tracker at www.kayakingforcharity.co.uk and follow my social media - just look for Roy's Outdoor Life on Facebook and Instagram.
JURASSIC 24
Inspired by Derry's 23.5 hour charity Jurassic Coast run last year, I am planning to kayak the Jurassic Coast (JC) in under 24 hours.
This will be completely different from last year's Top Down Kayak Challenge. I won't be camping for a start and it’ll be done over a weekend rather than two months.
The JC is 95 miles long although kayaking it is a little less at roughly 80 miles. I am going to attempt to paddle my wooden kayak 'Just Add Water' the entire 80 miles in less than 24 hours.
As I kayak along, I will travel through time!
Well, sort of - this unique coastline covers 185 million years of history. From the 250 million year old red cliffs of the Triassic Period, the fossil-rich Jurassic, through to the white chalk of the Cretaceous Period from 65 million years ago, I shall be passing areas of such unique diversity, it's the only place on Earth where one can see all three periods from the Mesozoic Era - hence its World Heritage Site status.
Starting at Old Harry near Studland, I will be heading west to Exmouth. The first section to Chesil Beach will mean encountering the tide races of Old Harry, Peverill Point, Durlston Head, St. Aldheims Head, and Portland Bill. My timing will have to be pretty spot on so the tide flows assist me. Get it wrong and I could actually be in some trouble!
With the right tide, I shall zoom past Swanage, Chapman's Pool, Kimmeridge and Lulworth before crossing Weymouth Bay to Portland, hopefully before I run out of tidal assistance. Thanks to the way the tides work, I will then have to wait on Portland for a few hours before the tide comes back to my favour and helps me whizz around the Bill and along Chesil - this 4 hour stop will at least give me a chance to eat and rest before continuing with the remaining 50 miles or so.
As I kayak along the 18 mile stretch of Chesil Beach, day will turn into night and I will be relying on the light from the moon - unless it is cloudy! Cruising past West Bay, Eype and Seatown, the next rest stop will be Charmouth, hopefully in the early hours of the morning and I will have covered at least 55 miles by then. I'll take a short break to stretch my legs, have a bite to eat and then crack on with the remaining 25 miles.
The tide flows are fairly minimal along this stretch and I imagine I'll be pretty tired and struggling by the time I pass Seaton, Beer and Branscombe although I expect I'll be welcoming the dawn light by then. Sidmouth will be a welcome sight, the Ladram Sea Stacks should look fabulous in the morning sun and I'll push past Budleigh Salterton, the last town before the finish.
With any luck, a bit of determination and sheer will, I will hopefully reach Orcombe Point near Exmouth, breathe a sigh of relief, pull up on the beach and probably collapse.
It'll be worth it though because you lovely lot will have donated all your spare money to Clean Jurassic Coast CIC and the Jurassic Coast Trust.
Although the idea is to paddle unsupported, I am not averse to some company on the water with me - but it will be at your risk and at my speed!
As usual, you’ll be able to follow me online with my live tracker at www.kayakingforcharity.co.uk and follow my social media - just look for Roy's Outdoor Life on Facebook and Instagram.
UPDATE March 23rd 2022
Name change coming soon!
Kayaking for Charity will be changing to Roy's Outdoor Life.
A new name with new goals - a place where I share my adventures, my walks, my mistakes and where, along with Clean Jurassic Coast CIC, I raise awareness about the impact of plastic waste in our environment.
I'll be sharing my walking, hiking, mountain biking and paddling routes (some will be for beginners), I'll show you beautiful places and views and also chat about the local history.
I will, of course, talk about my passion for kayaking and the sea as well as safety on the water and walks with charities like Plan B Charity
You'll see me looking after swimmers, clearing plastic and other debris from our environment and I'll be sharing the conservation work I do for various organisations. You'll also see me as a mertender!
I shall do the occasional fund raising challenge for different causes (and try to convince you all to donate) and I'll be chatting and opening debates about many subjects along the way too.
Nature is beautiful and I want to show why we must take care of it and understand our connections with the natural world.
Come and join my journey as I educate others but also learn along the way, So stay safe out there, always let somebody know where you are going and when you expect to return. Take care,
Roy.
P.S. Stand by for the next kayak challenge announcement!
Name change coming soon!
Kayaking for Charity will be changing to Roy's Outdoor Life.
A new name with new goals - a place where I share my adventures, my walks, my mistakes and where, along with Clean Jurassic Coast CIC, I raise awareness about the impact of plastic waste in our environment.
I'll be sharing my walking, hiking, mountain biking and paddling routes (some will be for beginners), I'll show you beautiful places and views and also chat about the local history.
I will, of course, talk about my passion for kayaking and the sea as well as safety on the water and walks with charities like Plan B Charity
You'll see me looking after swimmers, clearing plastic and other debris from our environment and I'll be sharing the conservation work I do for various organisations. You'll also see me as a mertender!
I shall do the occasional fund raising challenge for different causes (and try to convince you all to donate) and I'll be chatting and opening debates about many subjects along the way too.
Nature is beautiful and I want to show why we must take care of it and understand our connections with the natural world.
Come and join my journey as I educate others but also learn along the way, So stay safe out there, always let somebody know where you are going and when you expect to return. Take care,
Roy.
P.S. Stand by for the next kayak challenge announcement!
Update September 29th 2021
Hear all about Roy's Top Down Kayak Challenge!
This 56-day solo kayak challenge had Roy encountering all sorts from Force 5 conditions, getting stuck in soft sand, dolphins swimming around him as well as dangerous bouts of fatigue.
Enjoy the challenge with Roy as he talks about the highs, and lows, he experienced along the way.
Held at the Salt House in West Bay on October 21st, tickets are available using the link below
Proceeds to be split between Clean Jurassic Coast and West Bay Discovery Centre.
Tickets available here
This 56-day solo kayak challenge had Roy encountering all sorts from Force 5 conditions, getting stuck in soft sand, dolphins swimming around him as well as dangerous bouts of fatigue.
Enjoy the challenge with Roy as he talks about the highs, and lows, he experienced along the way.
Held at the Salt House in West Bay on October 21st, tickets are available using the link below
Proceeds to be split between Clean Jurassic Coast and West Bay Discovery Centre.
Tickets available here
Update August 12th 2021
A date for your diaries!
If you would like to hear about this kayak challenge - Roy will be giving a talk during Portland Week.on Thursday 26th at 19.30
Tickets are free and can be booked via Eventbrite. Please click here to book!
If you would like to hear about this kayak challenge - Roy will be giving a talk during Portland Week.on Thursday 26th at 19.30
Tickets are free and can be booked via Eventbrite. Please click here to book!
Update August 5th 2021
Somehow, 2 weeks have passed since this challenge was completed.
Roy has not been resting on his laurels though. He has been busy catching up on the last two months, organising beach cleans for Clean Jurassic Coast and updating this website. He has started writing a book about the Top Down Kayak Challenge and has a couple of public talks lined in the near future, with the first one hopefully towards the end of this month.
Donations are still coming in and the grand total will be published here soon.
As a side note, Roy is looking for part time work, preferably in an area that is planet friendly. If you would like a hard worker with a good work ethic, please email using the link top left of this page!
Update July 22nd 2021
He did it! After 56 days of paddling, Roy successfully kayaked from John O'Groats to Land's End.
Roy arrived at Sennen Cove just after 7pm on July 20th 2021. In what is believed to be a worlds first (this trip has only ever been done from Land's End before), he kayaked 948 miles in his wooden kayak Just Add Water. Allowing for poor weather and an occasional rest day, his average mileage was almost 17 a day with 49 paddling days.
His daily blogs can be found on social media (links above) but they can also be found here. Apologies for the spelling mistakes!
He did it! After 56 days of paddling, Roy successfully kayaked from John O'Groats to Land's End.
Roy arrived at Sennen Cove just after 7pm on July 20th 2021. In what is believed to be a worlds first (this trip has only ever been done from Land's End before), he kayaked 948 miles in his wooden kayak Just Add Water. Allowing for poor weather and an occasional rest day, his average mileage was almost 17 a day with 49 paddling days.
His daily blogs can be found on social media (links above) but they can also be found here. Apologies for the spelling mistakes!
Update May 11th 2021
Not sure how but there are only 2 weeks to go before I set off from John O'Groats! There isn't much time and I feel like I have loads to do. At least it is taking my mind of the enormity of this challenge.
I'm currently in the middle of varnishing the kayak, I'm expecting her to take quite a beating during the challenge. Poor thing!
I've also been printing off the maps I'll need for the trip. These will be laminated and will have tidal information and other useful data I may require jotted down on them. I'm considering auctioning them off at the end of the challenge - money raised will go to charity. Recent route plotting has come up with 993 miles in total. Gulp.
Speaking of charities. Don't forget to donate! Donation page link at the top of this page.
Lastly - tracker coming soon. There may be some trial tracks in the next week or so - keep an eye out!
Update April 12th 2021
Made it on to the cover of the Midweek Herald... National paper next time?
Click here to read the article:
https://www.midweekherald.co.uk/news/roy-beal-seaton-kayak-challenge-7869134
Made it on to the cover of the Midweek Herald... National paper next time?
Click here to read the article:
https://www.midweekherald.co.uk/news/roy-beal-seaton-kayak-challenge-7869134
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UPDATE April 8th 2021
It doesn't matter if it is a single bottle floating upon the sea or there are bags of litter left behind by visitors to the seaside, this rubbish does NOT belong in the natural world. Please either avoid single use plastics, recycle them or at at least bin them, The main reason for this challenge is to highlight this issue, educate the uninformed and hopefully inspire others to make a difference. |
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Update March 28th 2021
New video about why Roy is attempting this Top Down Kayak Challenge. Official press release going out today too! Read it here (PDF file) |
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Update 5th March 2021
The official press release will be going out at the end of the month. We will be working with a few charities as follows:
Keep Britain Tidy. As the proposed start date is near their Great British Spring Clean, it would be rather remiss if we didn't take advantage of this and promote beach cleaning, litter picking and the effects on the planet if we don't reduce, recycle or reuse. More on this soon. KBT have been around a long time and their logo is an iconic part of British history - if you're Roy's age you''ll remember the adverts from when you were a child.
Plan B Charity. This charity was setup after the loss of Dom Jackson, a kayaker who was lost to the sea in 2017. Dom’s only means of communication was a mobile phone stored in the rear hatch of his kayak and he was unable to access it when the weather changed and he got into difficulties. Plan B, along with Ocean Signal, a leading manufacturer of safety equipment, promote and educate the importance of carrying a means to call for help whilst outdoors.
Also, there is a PayPal 'money pool' set up to help cover Roy's costs. Roy works part-time and devotes nearly all of his spare time to voluntary ecological, environmental and conservation work. He is self-funding this challenge and won't be working for up to 2 months as he paddles the length of Britain. If you would like to help him, please feel free to donate. Any money left over at the end of this challenge will be split evenly between Keep Britain Tidy and Plan B Charity.
Update 5th March 2021
The official press release will be going out at the end of the month. We will be working with a few charities as follows:
Keep Britain Tidy. As the proposed start date is near their Great British Spring Clean, it would be rather remiss if we didn't take advantage of this and promote beach cleaning, litter picking and the effects on the planet if we don't reduce, recycle or reuse. More on this soon. KBT have been around a long time and their logo is an iconic part of British history - if you're Roy's age you''ll remember the adverts from when you were a child.
Plan B Charity. This charity was setup after the loss of Dom Jackson, a kayaker who was lost to the sea in 2017. Dom’s only means of communication was a mobile phone stored in the rear hatch of his kayak and he was unable to access it when the weather changed and he got into difficulties. Plan B, along with Ocean Signal, a leading manufacturer of safety equipment, promote and educate the importance of carrying a means to call for help whilst outdoors.
Also, there is a PayPal 'money pool' set up to help cover Roy's costs. Roy works part-time and devotes nearly all of his spare time to voluntary ecological, environmental and conservation work. He is self-funding this challenge and won't be working for up to 2 months as he paddles the length of Britain. If you would like to help him, please feel free to donate. Any money left over at the end of this challenge will be split evenly between Keep Britain Tidy and Plan B Charity.
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Update February 10th 2021
Exclusive article in Dorset View magazine! Read it here:
https://www.dorsetview.co.uk/exclusive-top-down-kayak-challenge-from-john-ogroats-to-lands-end/#.YHU-HR9KjIU
Update 23rd January 2021
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Coast2020 was a funny old year wasn't it? Lockdowns and and a pandemic, nobody travelling abroad for their holidays, beaches left in such a bad state thanks to some very selfish visitors. Myself and my Clean Jurassic Team spent a lot of the summer collecting bag after bag of rubbish, ultimately collecting well over 2000kg of plastic from the beaches, coast paths and the sea.
Oly Rush, a sea swimmer, swam the entire Jurassic Coast in an effort to raise money for environmental charities and I was his kayak support. The 100 mile swim took 10 days and we collected litter along the way, but also found dead animals and seabirds, some entangled in fishing line. We continue to collect plastic and other litter but feel there is a lack of awareness about the effects littering can have so I am going to kayak Britain and try to raise that awareness to new heights. The map shows my 900 mile route, I'll be setting off in late May, if COVID restrictions allow, and I shall kayak the sea, canals, rivers and lochs. I shall try to update this website as much as I can and there will be a live tracker for the challenge, but most updates will be on our Facebook group Kayaking For Charity or Instagram @top.down.kayak.challenge Please follow us, spread the word and share our social media! You can also find out more about the effects of plastic on our website www.cleanjurassiccoast.uk |
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Update 27th August 2018
Donations update.
So far we have raised £3205 for Jack's Fund and £730 (including gift aid) for Duchenne UK. That would not be possible if you lot weren't so generous. Thank you very much from the Kayaking for Charity team and Jack's family. Donation pages will be open for another month if you haven't donated yet!
Donations update.
So far we have raised £3205 for Jack's Fund and £730 (including gift aid) for Duchenne UK. That would not be possible if you lot weren't so generous. Thank you very much from the Kayaking for Charity team and Jack's family. Donation pages will be open for another month if you haven't donated yet!
Update 28th July 2018
We did it!
We ended up starting from Lulworth Cove on Sunday 22nd July as the wind forecast for later in the week didn't look good. Setting off as the sun was rising, a perfectly smooth sea beckoned. As it happened, every afternoon the wind picked up (as was expected to a degree) and we had quite choppy conditions. Fay was really tired after the first day, 22 km is a long way (most swim events are 10 km and this is deemed the swim equivalent of a marathon!) and the last half was across Weymouth bay with wind and waves against us and by the time we got into Portland Harbour, we had the tide against us as well. We stopped on the breakwater help to recharge, although I slipped on a seaweed covered rock and bruised my elbow. Clive, a kayaking friend, joined us across Weymouth bay. It was great to have a bit more support at that time!
We camped that first night in a campsite near The Fleet and Fay was pretty shattered. Friends Clive and Paul helped us to carry the kayak and kit across The Fleet and over Chesil beach the following morning. Somehow Fay gathered all her strength and reserve and continued on the Monday for the boring swim along the featureless Chesil Beach. We made good time with a lovely tide flow that got us to Abbotsbury for lunch time. We decided to call it a day so that Fay could spend the afternoon recovering. We enjoyed a lunch at the Abbotsbury Gardens with Fay's dad, David. He had walked the coast path from Weymouth to join us. Beth caught up with us a little later after she had walked around Portland first. She did this to top up her mileage as she couldn’t join us for the start on Sunday.
After beach camping on Chesil, we set off on Tuesday morning for Charmouth, Unfortunately, although the day started well, after Burton Bradstock the swell and waves started increasing and by the time we got to West Bay it was considerable. We just about made it to Seatown, where we both had to land on a steeply shelving beach in rough conditions. The swell coming in would have been more suitable for surfing. Somehow we did it and within a few minutes, Beth arrived, her coastal path walk leading her right to us.
We met some very kind people on the beach who donated, and Shelly and her boys met us later on with food. One day to go... Fay was pretty exhausted and her shoulders were incredibly sore. Beth had massive blisters on her feet from all the walking and was in a lot of pain too.
Fays dad met us again for the final slog. As he and Beth set off to finish the coast path, Fay and I set off for the final time after packing all the camping gear up. We made good time to Lyme Regis, passing the famous Golden Cap. A quick lunch stop on the beach, and we were on our way to Seaton. Clive rejoined us for a few miles on the last section to Seaton, but had to go on as his car parking ticket was about to run out!
The tide turned against us far sooner than we were led to believe and the last couple of kilometres were getting really tough. The final kilometre was the last straw. The tide flow against us was greater than Fay could manage. 4 days of swimming had taken their toll so I towed her. I could barely make headway along this last stretch, so great was the water flow, but somehow we got to the river mouth at Axmouth (Seaton) and the tide took us in to river. Landing on the beach just within the river entrance, Fay clambered out of the water, exhausted. I clambered out of the kayak, exhausted from towing! Beth and David rejoined us and a few friends turned up to congratulate us.
We had done it. Fay had swum 75 km in 4 days, the equivalent of 7 swim marathons!
The support we've had has been out of this world and you, our followers, have made the difference when the going was tough. Thank you to you all. And thanks for all the donations too. It's not too late to donate, click Make A Donation at the top of the page and follow the links. Don't forget our party on August 4th. Just join our Kayaking for Charity group and go to the Events page. Lots going on there!
We did it!
We ended up starting from Lulworth Cove on Sunday 22nd July as the wind forecast for later in the week didn't look good. Setting off as the sun was rising, a perfectly smooth sea beckoned. As it happened, every afternoon the wind picked up (as was expected to a degree) and we had quite choppy conditions. Fay was really tired after the first day, 22 km is a long way (most swim events are 10 km and this is deemed the swim equivalent of a marathon!) and the last half was across Weymouth bay with wind and waves against us and by the time we got into Portland Harbour, we had the tide against us as well. We stopped on the breakwater help to recharge, although I slipped on a seaweed covered rock and bruised my elbow. Clive, a kayaking friend, joined us across Weymouth bay. It was great to have a bit more support at that time!
We camped that first night in a campsite near The Fleet and Fay was pretty shattered. Friends Clive and Paul helped us to carry the kayak and kit across The Fleet and over Chesil beach the following morning. Somehow Fay gathered all her strength and reserve and continued on the Monday for the boring swim along the featureless Chesil Beach. We made good time with a lovely tide flow that got us to Abbotsbury for lunch time. We decided to call it a day so that Fay could spend the afternoon recovering. We enjoyed a lunch at the Abbotsbury Gardens with Fay's dad, David. He had walked the coast path from Weymouth to join us. Beth caught up with us a little later after she had walked around Portland first. She did this to top up her mileage as she couldn’t join us for the start on Sunday.
After beach camping on Chesil, we set off on Tuesday morning for Charmouth, Unfortunately, although the day started well, after Burton Bradstock the swell and waves started increasing and by the time we got to West Bay it was considerable. We just about made it to Seatown, where we both had to land on a steeply shelving beach in rough conditions. The swell coming in would have been more suitable for surfing. Somehow we did it and within a few minutes, Beth arrived, her coastal path walk leading her right to us.
We met some very kind people on the beach who donated, and Shelly and her boys met us later on with food. One day to go... Fay was pretty exhausted and her shoulders were incredibly sore. Beth had massive blisters on her feet from all the walking and was in a lot of pain too.
Fays dad met us again for the final slog. As he and Beth set off to finish the coast path, Fay and I set off for the final time after packing all the camping gear up. We made good time to Lyme Regis, passing the famous Golden Cap. A quick lunch stop on the beach, and we were on our way to Seaton. Clive rejoined us for a few miles on the last section to Seaton, but had to go on as his car parking ticket was about to run out!
The tide turned against us far sooner than we were led to believe and the last couple of kilometres were getting really tough. The final kilometre was the last straw. The tide flow against us was greater than Fay could manage. 4 days of swimming had taken their toll so I towed her. I could barely make headway along this last stretch, so great was the water flow, but somehow we got to the river mouth at Axmouth (Seaton) and the tide took us in to river. Landing on the beach just within the river entrance, Fay clambered out of the water, exhausted. I clambered out of the kayak, exhausted from towing! Beth and David rejoined us and a few friends turned up to congratulate us.
We had done it. Fay had swum 75 km in 4 days, the equivalent of 7 swim marathons!
The support we've had has been out of this world and you, our followers, have made the difference when the going was tough. Thank you to you all. And thanks for all the donations too. It's not too late to donate, click Make A Donation at the top of the page and follow the links. Don't forget our party on August 4th. Just join our Kayaking for Charity group and go to the Events page. Lots going on there!
Update 18th July 2018.
Less than 10 days to go. Fay managed a massive swim a couple of weeks ago. 17km on the Saturday and another 11km on Sunday. A mega effort!
Beth has been getting ready for her Coast Path walk too, her rucksack is rather large and looks heavy when loaded. Thankfully, I'm carrying all my kit (and Fays) in the kayak.
This last weekend Fay swam in the Bantham Swoosh event and, whilst the other competitors were packing up and heading home, she continued in the sea, with me alongside in the kayak, for another few hours. We camped on a beach and did another couple of hours the following day. That will probably do for the training for now. The weather forecast for next week, when we plan to start the challenge, is looking windy as the week progresses. This may mean that we start on Monday 23rd instead of the Wednesday as the wind may create very rough seas. Watch this space!
Less than 10 days to go. Fay managed a massive swim a couple of weeks ago. 17km on the Saturday and another 11km on Sunday. A mega effort!
Beth has been getting ready for her Coast Path walk too, her rucksack is rather large and looks heavy when loaded. Thankfully, I'm carrying all my kit (and Fays) in the kayak.
This last weekend Fay swam in the Bantham Swoosh event and, whilst the other competitors were packing up and heading home, she continued in the sea, with me alongside in the kayak, for another few hours. We camped on a beach and did another couple of hours the following day. That will probably do for the training for now. The weather forecast for next week, when we plan to start the challenge, is looking windy as the week progresses. This may mean that we start on Monday 23rd instead of the Wednesday as the wind may create very rough seas. Watch this space!
Update 04th July 2018.
With only 3 weeks to go, training is hotting up. Fay has done some serious swims recently. Can't believe the start is almost upon us.
We do, however, have a small cry for help.
Fay and I are splashing out on various advertising and fund raising bits and bobs, as well as safety gear and other costs. We don't mind doing that but it's costing us a little more than expected and we are NOT going to dip into any of the donation money received so far.
If anyone would like to help us out, we'd be eternally grateful. If you are a business, you'll get a mention on this website and a link to yours (website gets a few hundred hits a day). We can also put a sticker (or two) on the kayak. If you are not a business but a generous individual, you'll get a mention too obviously, but also a surprise gift!
Please message me via the email link at the top of page if you'd like to help out.
With only 3 weeks to go, training is hotting up. Fay has done some serious swims recently. Can't believe the start is almost upon us.
We do, however, have a small cry for help.
Fay and I are splashing out on various advertising and fund raising bits and bobs, as well as safety gear and other costs. We don't mind doing that but it's costing us a little more than expected and we are NOT going to dip into any of the donation money received so far.
If anyone would like to help us out, we'd be eternally grateful. If you are a business, you'll get a mention on this website and a link to yours (website gets a few hundred hits a day). We can also put a sticker (or two) on the kayak. If you are not a business but a generous individual, you'll get a mention too obviously, but also a surprise gift!
Please message me via the email link at the top of page if you'd like to help out.
News update. 14th June 2018.
Hey everyone. It's only 6 weeks until Fay sets off on her swim Beth on her walk and I kayak alongside Fay.
The plan has changed very slightly. Instead of starting on Weymouth seafront, we are now starting at Lulworth Cove. This is because we have decided to cut out Portland due to the nightmare involved in planning the tides around The Bill. Fay's safety comes first.
We are hoping to set off on July 25th, but this is very weather dependent!
The overall distance (75km/45 miles) will be the same though.
Please remember to donate here.
Hey everyone. It's only 6 weeks until Fay sets off on her swim Beth on her walk and I kayak alongside Fay.
The plan has changed very slightly. Instead of starting on Weymouth seafront, we are now starting at Lulworth Cove. This is because we have decided to cut out Portland due to the nightmare involved in planning the tides around The Bill. Fay's safety comes first.
We are hoping to set off on July 25th, but this is very weather dependent!
The overall distance (75km/45 miles) will be the same though.
Please remember to donate here.
News update 6th January 2018
Provisional dates for your diary!
The Spirit of Seaton challenge.
Weather permitting, we are hoping to start in Weymouth on July 25th 2018. The tides for that day mean that Fay needs to be in the water for about 6.45am to make the best use of them. Then she'll be spending the next few days immersed in the water for up to ten hours a day. If you bear in mind that she only started sea swimming in 2015 and her biggest swim event so far has 'only' been 10km, this really is a massive undertaking.
We are hoping to arrive in Seaton on the Saturday 28th but anything can happen with the weather and the sea. Safety is our main priority.
With me kayaking alongside Fay, and Beth walking the coast path, this 50 mile challenge is not to be sniffed at (especially the complex tides around Portland). Others will be joining us along the way, and everybody is welcome but I must stress that you do so at your own risk. Our plans are solely based upon Fays swim speed.
We have land support thanks to Roy Morley and his van too.
We shall be having a bit of a party the following weekend. Venue to be confirmed, but on August 4th we shall be having what can only be described as a mini festival. With live music, food, children's entertainment and a charity auction, this will be a great fund raising event for the two charities. This will be held under a VIP marquee that will have a separate (and safe) kids area. Truly an event for the whole family!
Confirmed so far;
Peter Bray. He kayaked solo across the North Atlantic in 2001 and has kindly offered to talk about his 76 day adventure, plus all the other amazing things that he has done!
Boson Theory. This local band will be playing, along with others to be confirmed.
We have a few things lined up for the charity auction, but more on that nearer the time, although I must mention the beautiful Greenland paddle that will be hand made especially for this event by Paul of Freedom Kayaks of Dorchester. There will be a competition to help with the design of this paddle. Please watch for updates.
A Short Story/Plea
In April 2010 I started working for RPM Motor Services in Seaton.
My employers, Andy and Shelly, were more than welcoming and before too long I considered them my friends too. Shelly was pregnant when I started working for them and, in October that year, she gave birth to Jack.
I've seen Jack growing up over these last 7 years and I feel like I'm sort of an unofficial uncle to him.
You can imagine how sad (and angry) I felt when I found out that he had been recently diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. You can imagine how his parents felt too, especially when the diagnosis came through that Jack has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
For those of you who aren't aware, this is the worst form that can be had. Jacks muscles will degenerate over the next few years. It is, and there is no other way to say this, 100% fatal.
Jack is 7 years old. He's done nothing wrong to deserve this and I for one feel so bloody helpless. As Andy said recently, he fixes cars everyday, why can't he fix his son?
Andy and Shelly have had to sell their house to move into a bungalow as Jack is already struggling with stairs. Jack isn't aware of why he struggles to move, and his parents have chosen not to tell him. At his age, he won't fully understand. Please respect this if you were to ever meet him.
I would really like to help them out with their up and coming expenses of buying equipment for Jack, adapting their new home and making sure that Jack has the best life that he can and I'm asking for your help.
Andy and Shelly have always been massively supportive throughout my kayaking challenges, helping to promote and help with expenses so now it's time to help them and, with my kayaking (along with the Kayaking for Charity team) and my girlfriend Fay being an open water swimmer, we have some ideas for some much needed fund raising, so watch this space.
When I first mentioned this to Jacks parents they immediately suggested that some of the fund raising goes to MD UK but they have since chosen Duchenne UK instead. You can read about them here; www.duchenneuk.org
Let's get Christmas out of the way first, but keeping checking here and our Facebook group for any updates.
If anybody would like to help, please contact me.
This time we're Kayaking for Jack.
A very overdue update.
Donations reached £6100 in total!
The book is coming along, way behind schedule but it is getting there.
There may be a challenge for next year... Involving swimming and kayaking and raising money for charity. Watch this space!
Kayaking for Charity have some rather good ideas for the future... we want to do so much more with this group so please keep checking back for further updates.
And don't forget to check out the music video below that was written and sung by local artist Karen Fairfax.
In April 2010 I started working for RPM Motor Services in Seaton.
My employers, Andy and Shelly, were more than welcoming and before too long I considered them my friends too. Shelly was pregnant when I started working for them and, in October that year, she gave birth to Jack.
I've seen Jack growing up over these last 7 years and I feel like I'm sort of an unofficial uncle to him.
You can imagine how sad (and angry) I felt when I found out that he had been recently diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. You can imagine how his parents felt too, especially when the diagnosis came through that Jack has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
For those of you who aren't aware, this is the worst form that can be had. Jacks muscles will degenerate over the next few years. It is, and there is no other way to say this, 100% fatal.
Jack is 7 years old. He's done nothing wrong to deserve this and I for one feel so bloody helpless. As Andy said recently, he fixes cars everyday, why can't he fix his son?
Andy and Shelly have had to sell their house to move into a bungalow as Jack is already struggling with stairs. Jack isn't aware of why he struggles to move, and his parents have chosen not to tell him. At his age, he won't fully understand. Please respect this if you were to ever meet him.
I would really like to help them out with their up and coming expenses of buying equipment for Jack, adapting their new home and making sure that Jack has the best life that he can and I'm asking for your help.
Andy and Shelly have always been massively supportive throughout my kayaking challenges, helping to promote and help with expenses so now it's time to help them and, with my kayaking (along with the Kayaking for Charity team) and my girlfriend Fay being an open water swimmer, we have some ideas for some much needed fund raising, so watch this space.
When I first mentioned this to Jacks parents they immediately suggested that some of the fund raising goes to MD UK but they have since chosen Duchenne UK instead. You can read about them here; www.duchenneuk.org
Let's get Christmas out of the way first, but keeping checking here and our Facebook group for any updates.
If anybody would like to help, please contact me.
This time we're Kayaking for Jack.
A very overdue update.
Donations reached £6100 in total!
The book is coming along, way behind schedule but it is getting there.
There may be a challenge for next year... Involving swimming and kayaking and raising money for charity. Watch this space!
Kayaking for Charity have some rather good ideas for the future... we want to do so much more with this group so please keep checking back for further updates.
And don't forget to check out the music video below that was written and sung by local artist Karen Fairfax.
360 miles, 3 weeks, 3 charities
A kayaking adventure starting from Tower Bridge and then following the coast to Seaton in East Devon.
We are raising money for Cancer Research, the RNLI, and St Peter's Hospice.
A kayaking adventure starting from Tower Bridge and then following the coast to Seaton in East Devon.
We are raising money for Cancer Research, the RNLI, and St Peter's Hospice.
Please watch and share this video. Let the world know!
