Record-breaking kayakers Keirron Tastagh and George Shaw have set themselves another challenge, and in the process will be raising funds for the RNLI. Keirron is Director of Adventurous Experiences based in St Johns and an adventure sports coach. George is also a kayak coach at the outdoor pursuits business. In 2012 they set a sea kayaking record during an expedition to the Aleutian Islands in the Bering Sea completing the furthest paddle west from Dutch Harbor on Unalaska to Herbert Island.

They began their journey in the early hours of Wednesday May 13 setting off from Peel and paddling their kayaks to Strangford, County Down. They left Strangford at 5am on Friday May 15 to begin their attempt to circumnavigate Ireland heading in a clockwise direction. Keirron, aged 36 from St Johns, and George, aged 40 from Douglas, aim to complete the trip in less than 28 days and in doing so beat the current record for the journey in a standard sea kayak. Depending upon the weather, the pair will aim to cover up to 50 nautical miles per day, wild camping along the route, and remaining self-sufficient by carrying all their supplies and safety kit with them.

Keirron says there are three main aims of the challenge. “Firstly, we want to raise funds for the RNLI which provides an essential service and is a charity which has a special significance here in the Isle of Man. Secondly, we want to use the trip to promote sea safety, and we also hope it will inspire others to challenge themselves and encourage their sense of adventure.”

The challenge is being supported by Manx Telecom with the company supplying a mobile phone so that they can keep in touch with their colleagues at Adventurous Experiences and update their website and Facebook page with progress reports as they visit lifeboat stations during the expedition. Keirron commented: “We’re extremely grateful for Manx Telecom’s support. The phone has a Strongest Signal SIM so that we can connect to the strongest mobile network wherever we happen to be, which means we will also have a connection should we need it in an emergency. The phone will also help us to post regular updates about the adventure, and hopefully generate more donations for the RNLI.”

During their 2012 Aleutian Islands expedition the pair contributed to a wildlife survey studying the reasons for the decline in the number of Sea Otters. It was a highly technical and challenging trip, involving real risk in a remote location, with maximum exposure to the elements. Communication with the outside world was a vital lifeline, so Manx Telecom supported their adventure with the loan of a satellite phone. In 2007 Keirron and American Jeff Norville (who had never met each other previously) set a world record for circumnavigating Vancouver Island in a double kayak. Their efforts raised funds for Cancer Research.

You can follow Keirron and George’s progress during the round Ireland challenge by following their blog at http://horrendousexperiences.blogspot.com. 

Photo - George Shaw (left) and Keirron Tastagh on Fenella Beach in Peel ready to paddle to Ireland to start their challenge.