Our marine surveyors ” Seven River Challenge ” Kayak Challenge
Louis Bodmer – European Marine Surveyor
Over the recent Bank Holliday weekend I had the pleasure of taking part in a charity kayaking ‘7 River Challenge’ to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis.
With a group of Norfolk friends we decided to sail the ‘Seven Rivers’ from Norwich to Wroxham in 3 days in Kayaks! All 12 kayaks including a double with trusting dog set off on the River Wensum from Norwich Yacht Station at 8am on Friday morning. Tailed closely by safety boats, we aimed to reach the Berney Arms Pub at the mouth of Breydon water by the early evening. This proved to be a challenging long first day with 7hrs 30minutes of paddling. But thanks to our Navigator, the tide was ebbing in the right direction encouraging us along. A welcomed fresh Pint and a warm fire pleasantly awaited us at the pub.
The following morning had to be an early start to ensure we would have the tide running with us across the large stretch of Breydon water. It was a beautiful still morning welcomed by the early morning call of the Oyster Catcher and wild geese as the sun rose over the misty calm water. The wilderness soon disappeared and the urban landscape and road bridge loomed ahead. As we paddled under the Yarmouth bypass bridge there was the yellow post leading us into the River Bure to what felt like the beginning of the way home. We struggled a bit against the tide as we came towards the yacht station in Great Yarmouth, but we were glad to know a hearty breakfast was awaiting us. Moral was boosted knowing we were aiming for the Lion Inn (not a lie in!) at Thurne for the night.
With our two longest paddling days past, up the Ant we paddled two by two as far as Ludham Bridge. We then turned back towards Wroxham and home, celebrating by 4pm on Sunday. Easily said, but it was a long last leg!
In total we raised over £3000 with approximately 55 miles of paddling!
Thank you all for your support.
