IOM Sea Kayak Circumnavigation Joining instructions

Wahoo... you're all set to go. Please find below all the information that we think you need. Of course, if we have missed anything please don't hesitate to shout. We can't wait to see you on this adventure!

Intro

By now you will have completed your kit, medical and consent forms, so we will be readying your kit in preparation for your adventure. What follows is some more information, including; 

  • Meeting time and date 
  • Start location 
  • Adventure Itinerary (distances & ascents) 
  • Other useful details
  • Personal kit list

Overview

You have booked a 4 day sea kayak circumnavigation attempt of the Isle Of Man.

Weather permitting, you will be paddling in closed cockpit sea kayaks each day, traversing the stunning shorelines of this beautiful island, camping on wild beaches and getting a unique perspective of this stunning location.

Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Laxey - Port Soldrick (Distance 24km). After a few hours of sorting kit, fitting you into your kayak and a little bit of trip admin, we will set off South out of Laxey Bay. Our guides will ensure you are confident and happy with the kayak and how to paddle before leaving the bay itself.

Day 2: Port Soldrick - Niarbyl Bay (Distance 31km). A stunning day, with lots of the main events. Towering sea cliffs, tidal races (which we will avoid!) and wildlife will be all around!

Day 3: Niarbyl - Point of Ayre (35km). Peel Castle, possible whale/porpoise sightings and untouched sand dunes - a challenging but rewarding day.

Day 4: Point of Ayre - Laxey (34km) Our final day will see us pass Ramsey, round the stunning Maughold Head and past a number of secluded beaches to our finish point.

When & Where

Your adventure will begin at 7am on the first day, please make sure you there on time! We aim to be finished by 6pm on the final day. Please be aware that this return time can be subject to change, but we will do our best to make it happen.

We will be meeting at Laxey Car park. Your car will remain here for the full 4 days, the car parking is quiet and safe.

Everything Else

Food

We know how important this is. We will be providing healthy and delicious freeze dried breakfasts and dinners for the duration of your adventure. Lunches and snacks need to be provided by yourself. Please think about bringing flapjacks, nuts, chocolate, hardy fruit - rather than fresh sandwiches! There will be opportunities to drop into local shops on the journey, so please bring a method to purchase more snacks etc. if you wish. Please ensure that you let us know about any dietary requirements or allergies (you should have done so in the form you already filled out). If you need to send us additional info please do contact us ASAP (button at the bottom of this page).

Camping

All of our campsites are well known to us, secluded and safe. There are no showers on any of them, however we will passing clean water sources along the way where you can wash! You will be provided with a tent and all camping equipment required.

Personal Equipment

Up 4 Adventure UK provide you with all of the technical equipment that you need for your adventure. All you need to bring are the items on this Kit List plus any personal home comforts you might want... although sea kayak packing space is limited!

Phone/Powerbank

Phones are a big part of most peoples lives now, we get it. If you would like to bring your phone along so to take photos and or stay in touch with civilisation, you are very welcome. We provide you with a powerbank so you can keep it charged throughout the adventure, but you need to bring your own charging cable. We don't have an infinite supply though, so best to keep the phone in airplane mode when not using it for pics!

Pulling Out

We will do our best to get you through the entire journey. If you however decide that you have had enough, of course this is fair enough. We will land you at the next suitable spot, where your kayak and kit will be stowed and you are welcome to head off on your own way. Onward journey costs are of course yours to organise and cover.

Bad Weather

The UK is famed for its beautiful and consistent weather, however, on occasion it has been known for the conditions to turn against us! We are able to continue in some form, in all but the most extreme of weather conditions. Most of the time this can be predicted, and measures taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, unfortunately this isn’t always the case. If when on the water, there is any concern for the safety of the group, it is possible that the guide may stop proceedings. If at any time an adventure needs to be postponed or cancelled, we will contact you immediately with a range of alternative options - we will endevour to avoid this scenario. 

The most likely change would be us being unable to continue the navigation on the current route, due to prevailing winds. In this scenario we may have to 'wait out' some wind on a beach or in a port, call for our trailer and move the group to a more protected side of the island, or if needed, revert to day trips until the weather calms. We hope to not have to do this, but of course safety must come first. All decisions would be discussed and explained in full to you.

Please remember if you still have any questions our FAQ page can be found on our website (button below), or you can contact us at any time (button also below).

Final Checks

A member of our team will make contact with you in the final days before this adventure, just to touch base and check all is well!

Thanks and we are really excited to see show you a great time!

Up 4 Adventure UK Team.

Still Have a Question?

If the info above hasn't quite done the job, please check the FAQs. If still no luck, feel free to contact a member of our team for help.