The objective of the expedition was to take 12 novice kayakers with 2 experienced guides, to the beautiful and challenging Isles of Scilly, exploring the archipelago whilst simultaneously developing skills and safety at sea, and challenging the team and individuals to push beyond their comfort levels. These base objectives were not only met but surpassed, with all 12 service personnel completing Sea Kayaking foundation level qualification and making island to island crossings through some challenging sea states.
The expedition started 1st July 2023 and lasted for 8 days in the Isles of Scilly, situated 45 kilometres southwest of mainland Cornwall. The group used fourteen 17-foot-long sea kayaks with full safety rig and equipment, all of which were transported on the Scillonian III from Penzance to St Mary’s. To say the planning and logistics of the expedition required some thought would be an understatement, but thankfully the task was undertaken by our Exped Leader and went like clockwork from start to finish. The expedition party had a basecamp on the island of St Mary’s with a commanding view of the harbour and surrounding islands.
Day one, was travelling to the island and making camp. The crossing on the Scillonian was an experience as the sea state was a challenging one, and a precursor for the conditions we were to experience over the following week. Working together, the team quickly set camp and made preparations for the start of kayaking the next day. Our evenings were spent team building, fostering lifelong friendships, as the group took turns to cook for each other and provide enough sustenance to recover from long days on the sea.
Day two, putting on unfamiliar clothing and kit, we made our way to St Mary’s harbour where we spent the day learning basic kayaking skills moving the boats through water and ‘breaking the ice’ with many of the group getting wet and starting the process of becoming comfortable getting in and out of kayaks while still in the sea.
Day three, venturing further afield, we donned spray decks for the first time, which required greater confidence in our own skills and drills and that of our teammates. Following the coastline, we made our way around the island of St Mary’s, coming ashore only to have some food before making our way by sea back to the harbour and testing our skills.
Day four was an island crossing to Tresco. This was our opportunity to test the skills we had been taught and get a feel for what distance paddling and an ocean swell felt like. We buddied up into ‘pods’ of 3, to be ready to rescue a kayak if one were to be overturned. The crossing went well with all kayaks making good time. On the island of Tresco we stretched our legs and explored a cave. The time had come to make the return journey, but now a real swell had built up that would test the entire group. We made it back to St Mary’s with only one kayak capsizing. Tired but happy with a job well done we retired for the day.
Day five, with the weather deteriorating and the conditions beyond our safety limits, we were restricted to the harbour. This did however give us time to work on our drills and skills with the team becoming ever more confident in the kayaks. We were also very lucky to be joined at our basecamp by HM Coastguard for a talk and demonstration of their role, and all were very impressed by their skill and dedication to duty.
Day six, was another of high winds and a large swell and subsequently we spent the morning in the harbour working on skills and drills, but after lunch we moved out into the sea and put all the lessons we had learnt into practice. The whole team demonstrated skill and composure in challenging conditions, riding swell and surf around the rocky coastline.
Day seven, was to be a cultural day, exploring neighbouring island St Martin’s with beautiful beaches and fantastic views, ending with a final meal and an evening cementing friendship.
Day eight, we broke camp and travelled back to the mainland before starting the process of packing and returning kit.
Conclusion. This expedition not only met the requirements set out in its brief but also offered some unexpected advantages. As a team, we all spoke of a desire to test ourselves at the next level, with perhaps some pushing on to become instructors, to help others in the forces to find a love of kayaking and the sea. By good fortune we had five regular soldiers in the group, which had the advantage of fostering relationships between Regulars and Reservists to further understand each other in the most positive way.
“It was genuinely the best raw fun I’d had since joining the Army” Tom – expedition member.
