26 beforehand , feeling they were never enough – but of course , they were ! Personally , I was recovering from a frozen shoulder and plantar fasciitis in the lead-up to the trip , so kettlebells , yoga and spin helped me get strong enough .
Invest in yourself and your kit Anthony , who runs Stand Up Paddleboard UK and is a highly experienced white water coach , stressed the importance of correct technique , and I would definitely advise updating your skills . Sarah also recommended investing in a good-quality paddle . She recorded 12,300 strokes on one 19-mile day ! Gee suggested padded gloves to ward off blisters and some used trolley wheels to carry the boards between locks . Lucy recommended a smaller fin to help navigate weed , which can really slow you down . Keeping hydrated and fuelled is key , too , as is knowing how to self-rescue .
A huge of SUP support Support from friends , family and strangers was a recurrent theme . This might be driving a motorhome and making soup on chilly days or surprise visits from friends travelling from afar . Michelle spoke about strangers on the towpath offering her and Mel a cup of tea . Having a friend you can laugh with when things go wrong was also ‘ pretty awesome and priceless ’ for this duo .
As Ant says , you can get through anything with a good friend beside you . A community can make all the difference .
Lucy noted that The Coast-to-Coast Alumni will support you all the way , sharing their experience and the latest updates on the route . If you follow anyone ’ s journey on social media , you will see people cheering from afar and donating to the causes , be that Cancer Research UK ( Lucy and Julie ), Mind ( Daisy , Michelle and Mel ), Changing Faces ( Sarah ), Andy ’ s Man Club , or the Eve Appeal ( Sara ).
Overcoming challenges The coast-to-coast inevitably throws up obstacles to test you . There is always the chance of strong winds , rain and swans , quite understandably , defending their territory . There are also sections around Wigan to Blackburn that can be prone to weed , which makes paddling very slow , “ It nearly finished us !” Lucy recounted .
Joy and self-belief For all the challenges , what shines through with each interview is the sense of joy and self-belief this trail brings . Singing , dancing , and laughing on the boards was not unusual !
Many told me how proud they felt of their achievement . They came to realise that you never know how strong you are unless you try and that our minds and bodies are extraordinary . Trusting yourself and your training is key , as is taking the 162-mile journey ‘ one paddle stroke at a time ’.
I think Sara summed it up when she said , “ At the top of the lock , I had an overwhelming sense of accomplishment , camaraderie and simple ‘ joie de vivre ’. I couldn ’ t remember feeling so happy and alive in a long time – and I let anyone within shouting distance know it !”
I ’ m so grateful to everyone who has shared their story . I hope they inspire you to take on the coast-to-coast and feel the same joy , confidence and achievement . Do let us know if you do ! Happy fifth anniversary to this extraordinary trail !