Race Preparations

by Andy Raspin

Previously Andy was a GB Team slalom paddler, gaining medals at World and European Championship level. He has also acted as a coach for the Canoe Wales Slalom Squad. Here he takes a look at race preparation.

Anglesey Circumnavigation 2006 – Record Attempt

by John Willacy

“Well, I don’t think I’ll be doing that again”, and this time I meant what I said…

Back in the autumn of 2005, I completed the circumnavigation of Anglesey by sea kayak in a time of 11:30. It was a long day and I remember saying, as we walked back up the beach, that I would not be doing that again in a hurry. I also remember thinking on the journey home, that there was 30-40 minutes to come off the time. It was a figure that was to stick in the back of my mind for the following year.

Juggling the Paps – The Anatomy of a Jura Circumnav Record

by John Willacy

‘Strong tidal streams with eddies, races and overfalls can occur in certain areas of this chart and can be dangerous to small vessels. Streams setting through the Gulf of Corryvreckan are very dangerous.’ – Admiralty Chart
Not far above, glides a cold, grey October sky. There is a brittle wind from the northeast and things are a little tense. Around the corner lies the Corryvreckan. I’m not sure what to expect, there’s not much swell today, but you never just know. The tide timings can vary, and the wind makes a difference from day to day – it’s not a place to take for granted…