James Bonnell has been circumnavigating the UK for the past 130 days…and has managed to paddle 2160 miles! And with less than 100 miles to go, we thought we would give you an update on the challenges he has faced!
Weeks 11 and 12: James’ wrist fell victim to Tendonitis, which resulted in being on a number of painkillers, and having to wear wrist supports. He kept paddling, but he had to make sure he was well enough as he had to face with 5 hours of open sea paddling, for the first time on this adventure.
A few days later he found himself in minor difficulty when the weather turned and forced his kayak landing into some rocks by a lighthouse. Luckily the lighthouse owner saw him, and offered him a place to stay. As the weather stayed so bad James was unable to paddle, he began to think about the effect it would have on the completion of the trip; he was stranded for 8 days. With falling further and further behind he began to worry!
Weeks 13 and 14: Once the bad weather subsided, James was able to get back on the water again. He managed to travel 130 miles in just 4 days, putting him closer to the schedule. He gained media attention from the regional ITV news in Newcastle, which boosted his moral somewhat! This was the same day he managed to reverse the van (which was carrying the Sea Kayak) a bit too far back on his friends drive, smashing the stained glass window into his hallway! (Hopefully his friend’s insurance covers that!) The two weeks ended in a mega paddling day, he managed to cover 49 miles in only 14 hours.
Weeks 15 and 16: A problem with the kayak. James shoes had worn through the hull of the Kayak, meaning the only thing stopping the boat from filling up with water (and sinking) was a non-structural gel coat. Fortunately a kayak repair shop helped him fix this, and he was soon back in the sea in no time. The weather kept fluctuating and a few on-off paddling days later James had reached Eastbourne.
Weeks 17 and 18: James managed a consecutive 8 days, managing about 20-25 miles per day, due to winds making it more tiring! With only 3 or 4 days to go until reaching the finishing line, he found it very frustrating that a few days recuperating was desperately needed!
So far, James has managed to raise £9000 out of his £20,000 target. He is hoping the last push to the finish line will raise this to £10000! To keep updated or to sponsor this adventurous journey click here!
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