Round Kerrera: the inaugural Oban Sea Kayak Race

The first thought here is ‘Oh bliss’; the second ‘But an Eskimo Roll?’; and the third ‘Envy’. The vital spark is 4th September 2010.This is the sport that has everything and it is a sport so powerfully attuned to the unrivalled experiences Argyll can offer it.

It’s affordable. It makes you one with a primal force of nature. You keep company with sea creatures. You can go shark-tagging in the Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network’s Sharkatags and Tagathons (and we have the photos to prove that some do). It gets you to perspectives nothing else can deliver. It can front up all sorts of challenges and adventures. You can go wild camping with it. It’s portable. It’s low-tech, skill-high. It’s somehow secret and subversive – not to mention submersible.

Actually it must be done. (Pause for thought.)

Saturday 4th September 2010 – at 2:15pm – sees the start of the inaugural Oban Sea Kayak Race.

The race circumnavigates the island of Kerrera, covering a distance of around eleven nautical miles. Kerrera is the beautiful and rugged Island that affords Oban and its harbour visual definition and protection from the adverse weather conditions – especially in the winter.

The Start and View Point

The race begins between Oban’s North Pier and the CalMac Railway Pier at 2:15pm on the day. A great view point can be had with feet firmly planted on the ground from either position.

The Round Kerrera Race follows a demanding route through remote and exposed waters – but one that promises to be memorable and fun, if that’s how you define ‘fun’. (Yes, yes. We do.) You can join in as either a paddler or well-wisher/observer.

And in a great gesture, all proceeds from the Oban Sea Kayak Race will go to Oban Lifeboat, often the  busiest in Scotland. Getting as close to the elements as you do in these shells must make you particularly aware of the service he lifeboat offers.

The Finish and View Point

The finish will be at Dungallan Park, just south of the CalMac ferry pier on the road to the Kerrera ferry. This keeps kayaks clear of any ferries and enables on-lookers to have a close up view of the finish line in a wonderful grassy surrounding, on the water’s edge.

Safety at Sea

The organisers make safety issues and environmental concerns their paramount objectives, as such race conditions demand.

The sea kayaks themselves are already renowned for their sea keeping and safety record at sea.

Safety points include:

• carrying the minimum number of flares on board, spare clothing and a bivi-bag for shelter should the unfortunate occur.
• learning the ‘Rules of the Road whilst at sea’ – the North entrance to Oban Bay is categorised as a restricted channel where sail and paddle do not have the normal priority and  ferries and other craft approach quickly.

Environmental Concerns

Environmental issues are equally important, getting the message across that the emphasis in Scotland is on ‘Responsible Access’, not just simply trudge or paddle where you may cause untold damage.

Kerrera is home to several seal haul-outs. These are where the seals need time to rest and warm. One of these haul-outs is a breeding colony. The new born pups can die from hypothermia if scared and forced to make a dash for the water due to stomping feet or a stealthy approach from a kayak.

With this in mind the organisers have set the date of the race out of the important breeding months for Oban’s common seals. The route is devised to miss paddling close to the major seal haul-outs, This means that the local tourist boats and their businesses are least affected and the seals remain in place for visitors to see.

Entry forms

Entry forms and further information are on the Oban Sea Kayak Race website.

For direct contacts: phone Gus on 07747 695016; or phone Mark on 07768 924841.

Sponsors

The event is grateful to a wide range of companies for generously donating prizes:

• a silver trophy from The Iona Shop
• kayaking gear from Oban Sea Kayak and Outside Edge
• books and DVDs from Simon Willis of Sunart Media and Waterstones
• binoculars from Websters Photographic Shop

Many other companies have given their help and support:

• Support Boats from Coastal Connections, Roddy MacEachen, Mathesons of Oban and Kilbowie Outdoor Centre
• Facilities and parking from Kilbowie Outdoor Centr
• Meat for the event;s barbecue from Jackson Brothers, Master Butchers
• Event website by Sea Pebble Ltd.
• Banners by CGL.

Other Oban businesses made donations which helped set up the event: Coast Restaurant; Cuan Mor Restaurant; Dolce Vita Restaurant; Eeusk Seafood Restaurant; The Flower Basket; Julie’s Tearoom; Kronks Deli; MacQueen Brothers Removals; Kevin McInnes Carpet Services; Orsay Gifts; Piazza Italian Restaurant.

Last to be mentioned and central to the entire event are its main organisers: Gus Brydon, of Argyll Kitchens; and Mark Carter, from Marine Concern

The photographs accompanying this article are by copyright holder Mark Carter. They show, from the top: Kayakers off the MacDougall’s Dunollie Castle; porpoise in the waters of the route; lone Lorn kayaker; Gylen castle, a MacDougall stronghold in the south of Kerrera; the head and gills of a basking shark.