Welcome

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

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 completing some of these challenges can be enough.

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 in the records, so go on - set yourself a challenge.

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 for those looking to beat the tides and the clock in order to circumnavigate in a fast time.

The challenge of the circumnavigation revolves mainly around using the tides to the optimum as the distance dictates paddling over more than one tide phase. When you combine these 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 a full crossing of the Irish Sea, there are many, many challenges. Often seen as a rite of passage for the serious sea kayaker, good planning, good stamina and a good dose of determination are all required.

A long crossing can bring many different experiences and emotions; they can be exciting and boring, intimidating and relaxing, as well as just downright uncomfortable - but always rewarding.

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 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!