Everyone delights to spend their summer’s holiday
Down beside the side of the silvery sea
I’m no exception to the rule
In fact, if I’d my way
I’d reside by the side of the silvery sea.
- glover-kind

In less than a month’s time, Rowland Woollven and Cath Tanner will begin their attempt to circumnavigate Great Britain.  The journey is about 2500 miles and will take about 5 months.  Considering the strong paddling community in the UK it’s pretty amazing that less than 20 paddlers have done this trip. On the other hand, the conditions around the Great Britain can be pretty challenging regardless of your skill.  Rowland and Cath are more than up to the challenge.

Rowland Woollven makes his home in Scotland and has been paddling for more years than I’m allowed to tell. He is a BCU Level 5 Sea Coach and Grade 5 Assessor. He is also a Level 3 Surf Coach as well. Rowland has coached at symposiums all over the US & UK. In fact I first met him in California in 2004 when he gave me my first rude awakening to rough water rescues!

About 6 years ago Rowland found himself sitting at a coaches party at the home Nigel Dennis when he realized that of the 15 or so people who paddled around Great Britain, about a dozen of them were sitting in that very room! It was then he first realized this was something he wanted to do as well.  At that time Rowland was still in the Army so it was going to have to wait.

Then about 2 years ago met up with Cath Tanner who was a student on a 5* training course and by the end of the week they decided to do the trip together.

Cath has been working in the outdoor industry since she graduated university.  Well, mostly.  She also mentions she was once a boarding school matron as well. Cath is a BCU level 3 sea & inland coach and a 5* paddler.  She is also a qualified climbing instructor and has instructor qualifications in other sports as wide-ranging as Archery & Orienteering. (good thing, I don’t want Rowland to get lost and starve. . ) Cath now works at Duchy College in Cornwall where she runs a one year course called the Introductions to Adventurous Activity Leadership which is aimed at young people without a lot of practical experience or high level academic qualifications, but who want to become assistant outdoor pursuits instructors.

Last year Rowland retired from the army and Cath was able to negotiate some time off and 2008 became the year. Their plan is to head out from Ilfracombe which is a seaside resort on the north coast of Devon, on April 14th and then cross to Wales from Porlock.  The plan is that this will put them on Anglesey in time for the symposium. Their goal is simple; complete the trip.  Sounds like a good goal!

Their expedition is sponsored by Sea Kayaking UK which provided their funky kayaks. They will also be taking the new SPOT with them as well.  Oh, and did I mention Rowland will be using a traditional paddle? (no pressure!)

- For More Visit Rowland’s Website