A statement from the Team
We set out our aim to paddle around Ireland, allowing
ourselves a month away from family and business commitments to complete it. Weather
permitting, we would challenge the record time in a standard sea kayak. We
wanted to raise substantial funds for the RNLI in the process.
Our ethos was:
- self-reliance
- have adequate training and knowledge
to make informed decisions en-route
- carry food and shelter for the
expected duration
This ethos of real risk management forms the backbone of our
Adventure Sports Centre on the Isle of Man.
We have forged links with the RNLI on the national water
safety forum through Coasteering and the establishment of the National
Coasteering Charter, as well as regular local fund raising efforts. We hold the RNLI’s strategy of incident
prevention being the long-term solution in high regard, and have adopted this
approach in adventure sports on the Isle of Man. This parallel includes regular
training, experience and can do attitude to manage incidents.
It is incidents that require external assistance which
attract media focus, and where the vital lifeboats and their dedicated crews
come into play. This is where funds are especially required.
Our aim to paddle to and around Ireland, was part of our
overall strategy to blend these factors and promote positive risk management,
be good ambassadors of the RNLI and inspire others to reach their potential.
As we journeyed along both the East and South coastline of
Ireland, making real decisions which involved real risk, we both realised that
the sea kayaking trip we had committed to, given the relentless winds we had
encountered during this time, allowed for limited options. The impact on our
bodies was relentless; recovery time minimal.
The expedition in this format was unlikely to achieve our aim, with the
current weather and related sea conditions (May has been one of the coldest and
windiest on record), and our associated physical state.
In short, responsible risk management for us was to take a
break from paddling.
Our main aim going
forward is to increase our options. We aim to increase support and continue to
raise funds for the RNLI, carrying its message of real risk management on our
journey. We kayaked along the East and South coastline over 2 weeks; we aim to
explore more of the the West and North coastline over the forthcoming years…
We are both indebted to our sponsors and really appreciative
of the warm Irish hospitality, the boundless support of the RNLI and having
plenty of reflection time ourselves.
Catch you on the water soon
Keirron & George
