THAMES 24 CHALLENGE

It feels like a long stretch until Easter, and hopefully some normality, so what better time to plan a new adventure! Every year I run a team challenge event to raise money and awareness for good causes and I think this year, especially, mental health charities will really need our help.

But what to do? I've been increasing obsessed with my local river, the Thames, in fact I had a crack at kayaking the length of it last year and got as far as Windsor (170 Kilometres in around 35 hours) before a leak put an end to my misery. Actually, my misery wasn't quite at an end. After stashing my worn-out kayak in a hedge at Windsor lock and whilst eagerly awaiting a lift, an omelette and some red wine, my buddy Andy surprised me by turning up with a fresh canoe. So the paddle continued on into the night, but I feel the effort was not complete, and that it could have been done in less time. So, for this year's challenge I've devised the 'Thames 24'. The plan is for me to paddle my kayak continuously down the River Thames* for 24 hours one weekend in April. If I make the allotted 200 km in that time I'll have bagged a world record too.

My game plan this year is to do it in a lighter kayak. There are 45 locks I need to carry my kayak over, and last year taught me a heavy kayak is no fun here. I’m also hoping that Easter will bring lots of rain (sorry!) so there's a few bonus knots added to my overall speed. I've got a few good people to pace me for strategic stretches too, so even though I'm doing the whole thing solo I've still got that essential team element in there.

It’s still going to be an almost impossible task. Kayaking continuously and at speed for 24 hours will be a painful endeavour. There will be issues throughout, probably thrown in at night - the locks will be hard to navigate, and I’ll break something or run out of chocolate. But, I find it's the challenges that make the adventure and I’m committed; keen to promote my favourite charity 'Brave Hound'. This charity provides trained dogs to veterans with mental health issues. Dogs can provide great companionship, and they promote taking exercise and keeping a good routine - key factors for sound mental health. Take a look at what they do here and support them if you're able:

https://www.bravehound.co.uk/donation/

I'll keep you posted on progress, and I'm keen to hear of any plans you may have. There's no better time to plan a worthwhile challenge than when you're locked down! Looking ahead to a safer world, I can imagine a bunch of us doing this, so reach out if you fancy a paddle challenge once we've gripped this disease.

*Navigable and non-tidal, approx 120 Miles (200 kilometers).