Welcome

The Performance Sea Kayak web site details various UK based records, challenges and events undertaken by sea kayakers. For some the challenge lies in setting a fast time whilst overcoming tides and the elements, for others it is just about completing the challenge.

Planning, preparing and training for these events can be a journey in itself, with the paddler improving fitness and technique as well as learning new skills and gaining knowledge along the way. They will almost certainly learn as much about themselves as they will about the trip itself.

Whilst you may well be impressed by the fitness, endurance and down right doggedness of some the feats undertaken here, don't feel they are not for you. You don't have to set a record in order to make it worthwhile, the sense of achievement in just overcoming some of these challenges can stay with you for a long time.

Just about anyone can do it, you just need a little dedication, drive and the will to finish.

As you can see there are many gaps on the records pages, so go on - set yourself a challenge.

SAFETY

Is paramount obviously...

Please read the thoughts on safety here: Safety - Info Page

You can also read the Do's and Don'ts of crossing Military Ranges on the PSK Info page.

Circumnavigations

There's something 'tidy' about a circumnavigation; it's satisfying to see your start point come into view once more, knowing you've covered the distance entirely under your own steam.

There are a many islands dotted around the UK coastline that provide an obvious appeal to sea kayakers. There are some that provide a 'because it's there' challenge, an achievement just to complete the distance. And there are others that provide a draw for those looking to beat the tides with an eye on the clock. There are a good number that seem almost to have been purpose built for a sub-24 hr challenge - Anglesey, Isle of Man, Isle of Mull and Isle of Wight being the more popular and the more challenging.

The challenge of the circumnavigation revolves mainly around using the tides to the optimum as the distance often dictates paddling over more than one tide phase. When you combine the complicated tidal flows with committing coastlines, open crossings and tide race/overfalls it can take some serious planning along with some demanding paddling to complete a circumnav.

Crossings

The UK coastline provides endless opportunities for the sea kayaker looking to challenge their mettle with an open crossing. From the island just off-shore through to those further afield such as Lundy, the Scilly Isles or the Isle of Man. And then of course their is the blue riband - a full crossing of the Irish Sea; often seen as a rite of passage for the serious sea kayaker, this requires good planning, good stamina and a good dose of determination.

Long crossings can bring many different experiences and emotions; they can be both exciting and boring, intimidating and relaxing, as well as just downright uncomfortable - but always strangely rewarding. You will come back for more...

Multi-day

Serious undertakings for serious paddlers. The Circumnav of Wales is an interesting paddle that takes in varied scenery along the route, taking in stretches of river and canal as well as the entire Welsh coastline - a good intro to multi-day trips. The Roof of Britain route takes things a step further, covering the whole of the exposed Scottish coastline. And the ultimate challenge for a UK sea paddler - the UK circumnav is a demanding undertaking which takes in long open crossings, remote coastlines and a long time off work!

If you want to go super serious take a look at the crossing to the Faroe Islands which included an open crossing of over 74 hrs!