Sea Kayaking

The sea kayaking in the Hebridean Challenge is a serious undertaking and anyone planning on kayaking at any stage of the race should be qualified to at least BCU 3* (sea) standard. In return the race offers some of the most challenging racing available in the UK, with legs of up to 20 km in tidal waters exposed to 3000 miles of Atlantic swell.

In addition to open sea legs, sometimes between islands, kayakers will navigate sea lochs and freshwater lochs and may have to portage (usually with the aid of other team members) between different bodies of water or synchronise some of their paddles to meet up with team members at different locations. Over the course of the week paddlers can expect to cover around 150 km. It is also possible for paddlers to take part in some biking and running depending on how the team organises their logistics, and there are a few small compulsory land based sections for kayakers.

In 2006 kayakers should also be prepared to carry camping equipment on one occasion for an evening away from the main race (or any other sign of civilization).

Due to developments in kayak design in recent years the race organisation is currently considering the precise specification of boats to be used in the race in 2006 and this will be made available at the earliest opportunity, but will be very similar to the 2005 specifications that previous racers should be aware of. However it will not exclude any of the common touring types of sea kayak that have previously been used in the race.

Paddlers competing in the 2005 race were able to gain their 3* (sea) certificate at a a training/assessment weekend we organised in April with Surf-Lines kayak school in Llanberis, N Wales. We would consider organising this again if there is demand for it, please let us know asap. Details of last year's course can be found here.

The other disciplines in the Heb are: hill running, road biking, mountain biking and swimming.