Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition around Isle of Wight
July 30th, 2010
Cobnor Activities Centre’s Gold Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) expedition 2010 took place around the Isle of Wight, and it was a roaring success. Four keen sea kayakers, and valued members of staff, paddled the circumference of the island and completed the 60 miles over four days.
They started at Lee on Solent where they visited the Coast Guard’s Station in order to hand in a passage plan for the trip. While there, the lads were given a tour of the station, kindly set up by Cobnor Activities Centre’s Chief Paddlesport Instructor Andy Hall.
Going with the tide, they made their way to White Cliff bay for the first night of their wild camps where some chose to bivvy and others pitched tents. Once sleeping quarters were arranged they settled in and enjoyed a well-deserved evening meal.
On the second day, an early start was needed to catch the tide. This turned out to be a long slog and the men managed to cover most of the south side of the island. They ended up at Fresh Water wild camp on the beach and scoffed a good meal of pasta, chicken curry and even squeezed in a bit of cream rice for pudding.
Day 3 was the most exciting as this is when our intrepid kayakers got to thread the Needle- that’s paddle though the two big rocks at the point of the island. Timing was crucial as they needed a slack tide, so, arriving a little early they stopped for a brew and watched the ripping tide in awe. The tide and wind were behind them for the last part of the day, which lead them to Lepe Park for a third wild night.
The fourth and final day called for a very early start, 5.30am, yes that early! But it was absolutely magical, particularly the sunrise. All in all, it was a fantastic trip and they can’t wait to do it again!
Cobnor Activities Centre would like to thank Andy and Spence for all their training and hard work leading up to, and during, the kayaking expedition. To find out more about kayaking and how you can do your Duke of Edinburgh Award at Cobnor Activities Centre contact: sail@cobnor.com.
