I’m training for my second attempt to kayak around Ireland to raise money for Parkinson’s disease research.
This is for my mom, whose courage and resilience in the face of her diagnosis inspire me to train and prepare with the same resolve. Back in the day, she signed me up for kayaking lessons when I was a hyper kid in need of an outlet. I owe her for introducing me to this sport and for putting up with my adventures over the years.
The kayakers who have taken this journey modestly refer to it as The Lap. It's a 1500 km (950 mile/ 800 nautical mile) voyage through some of the roughest water and most rugged coastline in the North Atlantic. Fewer than 100 people have completed a Lap, and only 30 or so have done it solo.
Depending on the weather, it will take around six weeks. I'll camp on beaches and islands every night and spend 10 to 12 hours per day in the boat, often many miles from shore. I will be unsupported, carrying all the gear I need and ten days of food at a time. I will be joined by friends for part of the trip, and alone for some of it.
I’ll be documenting my Lap here. Every week, I’ll send out a short email about how my training, fundraising, and planning are going. I’ll also include photos and stories from life on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, where my wife, Dominique, and I are winterizing a pebbledash cottage.
When I set off next June, this newsletter will become my daily log of the voyage.
I’m looking forward to sharing this adventure with you!
-Charlie
Thank you to Mike Jones for coaching and guidance.
Kokatat is the official gear sponsor of The Lap.
The lap will be fueled by Resilient Nutrition’s Long Range Fuel and bars.
Expedition coffee by 3fe.
CH Marine will be providing a VHF radio and other safety equipment.
Tent and cooking gas provided by Paddle & Pitch. Trolley by KCS.
