These conditions completely sapped momentum . Constantly re-accelerating the board after being stopped dead by waves , fighting for balance , repeatedly correcting direction after being twisted off course by side swipe waves or the current . The downwind conditions - didn ’ t materialise !
Out in deeper waters , over the Beauforts Dyke trench , the messy swell built up nicely for me in deeper waters . Unfortunately , from the south east , against our paddle direction ( so lots more fun !). Add in the strong spring tide ; this phase of the paddle turned into a physical and mental dog fight . Painfully slow progress towards Scotland compared to a ‘ normal ’ paddling speed for me .
In a nutshell , the North Channel handed me my backside . I got beaten up , bounced all over the place and turned the contents of my stomach into fish food ( numerous times ). Thoughts flipped between “ Get back onto the boat , you idiot , come back a better day ,” and “ own the challenge , deal with it , finish the crossing .” Thankfully the positive thoughts won out in the end , but it took a lot of energy to stick at it and keep moving .
Deep down , though , I was loving the challenge of it and edging myself closer to Scotland even if it felt like inch by inch at times ! Stroke by stroke . Random wave after wave in the face . The Scottish coastline gradually got larger . I made it with one final push through the strong north pushing tide .
Having laboured through hours of harsh conditions , seasickness and a far longer paddle duration than anticipated , the elation of finally landing at Cranberry Point beach in Scotland ( 7 hours and 21 minutes and 38km after starting ) was something I can ’ t describe in words .
How would you sum up the experience ?
Many challenging moments but amazing . Full of unknowns , challenges and adventure . Having completed the crossing , the sense of achievement and awe-inspiring feeling of paddling in the open sea will live with me for a long time . In that exposed environment , I learnt a lot about myself . Had all been in my favour , maybe it wouldn ’ t have been as satisfying . Tough moments like that can make you feel a better version of yourself !
Having reflected on my adventure , what struck me most is that open sea crossings are a truly unique experience . Occupying a physical and mental space , you can ’ t replicate in day-to-day life . Once you leave the shore , you are locked in , fully exposed to what the sea throws at you , totally immersed and reliant on your abilities .
It wasn ’ t quick , and if I ’ m honest with myself , there ’ s a tinge of disappointment at that . In hindsight , though , that was never possible in the conditions that
greeted me . That ’ s the lottery with sea crossings , but I ’ d still like to try one day again with more favourable conditions .
Ultimately , I learned patience , resilience and sticking at it . It was more a rough , gritty , ‘ salt in your face ’ and ‘ grind it out ’ style paddle . A duel – rocking and rolling over the Sheuch . On reflection , technique or speed didn ’ t matter . I got across ! So a life goal was completed , joining only a handful of prone paddleboarders to have made this crossing . Along with raising around £ 1,800 for Highland Hospice , I am hugely proud of that .
I got to add my successful prone paddleboard crossing to the North Channel ’ glory wall ’ in Donaghadee ’ s Pier 36 bar . Until recently , a tradition mostly for swimmers but expanding out . Any SUPers out there with the similar ambition to mine plenty of wall space for more paddleboard crossings !
If you do , I hope unpredictable conditions are in your favour and not in your face !
Thanks to Infinity Channel Swimming Support Boats for seeing me safely across , along with the individuals and organisations who helped me fund the safety support boat ( Huunuu , Personal Best and Fletcher Sport Science ). A special thanks to my family , friends and colleagues that donated to Highland Hospice sent words of encouragement and support . But mostly just wanted to know how many times I puked !
Life ’ s a series of journey ’ s , so I ’ m hugely grateful for the help I received to complete one of mine !
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