SUP Mag UK lo-res free to readers April 2014 lo-res free to read | Page 60

Scott Warren
works for
Starboard SUP
UK/Red Paddle
Co and is a
regular fixture
on the UK SUP
scene.

Hitting the wall
Still being some distance away I decided to
slow down and just get to the rest point. As I
began to grind out the last few kilometres it
was evident I was suffering more than I
thought – leg cramps, lower back pain, stiff
shoulders and no flexibility.
Part of downwind paddling is going with the
flow, linking sections and working the board.
I knew I was in trouble as I was unable to
move around and was stumbling – virtually
unable to paddle. The next few minutes
were the longest of the whole trip.
A kilometre out I was caught by a couple of
kayakers. We had a little chat about how
bad the weather was – a nice little pickup
just when needed. As I entered the flat calm
lagoon I tried to rest and sit on my board
but my legs cramped so it was back to it. I
held onto a slither of hope I could carry on,
but all this changed when I discovered I
couldn’t paddle.

Summing up
Mark Slater powered home taking first place
and coming in before many of the kayakers.
Jo Hamilton-Vale paddled strong through
tough conditions, becoming the first lady to
complete the challenge. Our team was
amazing and my thanks for making it a
special trip. Ali and Mark for being the heart
of the team, Pete and Simon for their help
when I needed it most, Sally for bundling
me into a warm van and keeping me
supplied with sweets, Nick for pushing on to
support Rob single handed – thanks! And of
course Mark, Rob, Crispin, Adam S, Adam C,
Jo, John and Russell for completing such an
epic challenge; my hat off to you all.

My shoulders and back began to seize up
completely when I finally reached the
pontoon. Ready to greet me was Simon in
our support crew and I think he knew
instantly something was amiss. It was time
to call it a day, get warm and dry and be
thankful I had avoided serious trouble.
Having managed a third of the entire
distance I was pleased but bitterly
disappointed at the same time. With food
and warmth back into me a few other
paddlers came through, all agreeing how
hard Loch Lochy had been. It was great to
see everyone supporting each other. My role
had changed and it was time to pass on
encouragement to those still on the water.

s

t

a

n

d

u

For me it’s UK race season so time to train
once I’ve recovered! The Great Glen had the
best of several people that day. It’s nice to
be humbled by Mother Nature and
remembering why you paddle; to enjoy the
feeling of gliding over the water, part of
good company and exploring new places.
See you next year!

p

p

a

d

d l

e

m

a g

u k

60