ThePADDLER 108
THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CHALLENGES
Expeditions and adventure sports , in general , are not normally associated with disabilities or long-term injuries of this kind , and to see the team ’ s determination in overcoming the mental and physical challenges leading up to the expedition launch is incredibly humbling . Hopefully , this inspires others to take to the water , if not just enjoying more time outdoors and having adventures , but pushing their limits and overcoming any fears , injuries , or disabilities .
It ’ s been incredible to see how far the team have come and the kayaking skills they had developed since their first training camp in June last year . Many of the team had minimal kayaking experience , and considering some of the teams ’ injuries and disabilities , I have so much respect for the guys taking this on – to see them now cutting through the water with ease and paddling in unison demonstrates their determination , endurance and down to earth attitude . They just get on with it , have a laugh , and it ’ s such a joy to work with them .
The Kayak 4 Heroes team will set off from Sennen Cove in Cornwall and take on 1,400 kilometres of the United Kingdom ’ s most challenging waters before
arriving at John O ’ Groats in Scotland . Hoping to utilise the prevailing south-westerly winds at this time of year , the decision was made to tackle the challenge from south to north to maximise the team ’ s chance of success , with the planned duration to be 35 days approximately with almost daily paddling .
TWO INLAND SECTIONS
The route also features two inland sections covering approximately 400 kilometres of the total distance . The first of these two passageways will lead the team inland through the Bristol Channel , diverting off onto the Sharpness canal to Gloucester , before heading up the River Severn and canal networks of the West Midlands until the team reach Ellesmere Port . They ’ ll then paddle along the coast , passing through some of the most challenging water sections , such as Morecombe Bay , before they then reach Fort William in Scotland .
Here they ’ ll paddle up through the famous Caledonian Canal , which passes through Loch Linnhe , Loch Lochy and Loch Ness , before finishing along the east coast up to John O ’ Groats .