Back on the water! - Week 1

160 miles on the Wild Atlantic Way

Downpatrick Head

Last Saturday, April 5th, I got back on the water in Doonbeg, County Clare, (where I got weather-bound on my first attempt).

I pointed my boat into a fierce headwind and set off on a short first day to position myself to paddle under the Cliffs of Moher and out to the Aran Islands.

A gorgeous, near-perfect early spring weather window had opened wide, giving me a chance to cover serious miles up the west coast.

I got after it everyday this week in calm seas and light winds, covering about a third of the coastline I have left to paddle.

The plan now is to finish what I started two years ago, pulling in at Dungarven, co. Waterford where my first attempt ended in injury.

So far, the hardest part has been the mental game of going solo and the constant decision making and commitment that comes with that.

The admin this time of year is brutal. The water is colder and so am I. Shorter daylight hours mean damp gear often stays damp. Those springtime temperature swings where you leave the house in a coat and come home in a t-shirt are harsh when you’re living outdoors and putting in long aerobic hours. I’m paddling in a drysuit for safety reasons, which means living in sweat-damp wool base layers.

I’ve been staying off socials this week to ease into “expedition mode” and stay focused. I’ll be back on soon. (If you’re Facebook friends with my mom, she’s been posting all the updates). That said, please reach out if you feel like it. A kind word on a tough day can turn everything around. I am so grateful for friends and family who’ve been following along and sending messages.

Now I’m in Enniscrone, an epic little surf town where a local family has adopted me while I wait for the winds to drop later in the week so I can cross Donegal Bay—24 miles of open water, exposed to one of the most storm-prone patches of the North Atlantic—a crux of the trip.

Send me a message if you want my GPS tracking link!

Week 1

Week 1

Distance paddled: 161 nautical miles (298 km)

Longest day: 37.9 nautical miles (70km)

Paddling days: 7

Total progress:

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Thank you to everyone who donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research!

P.S. When I’m not having adventures, I’m helping other people write about theirs. If you or someone in your circle has an amazing story to tell, I'd love to hear it. I have some availability for new ghostwriting and editing projects.

— Charlie

Kokatat is the official gear sponsor of The Lap.

The lap will be fueled by Resilient Nutrition’s Long Range Fuel and bars.

CH Marine will be providing a VHF radio and other safety equipment.

Camp kit and cooking gas provided by Paddle & Pitch. Wool baselayers by Aclima. Trolley by KCS. REAL Field Meals at a discount from Adventure.ie. Discounts from GreatOutdoors.ie. Expedition coffee by 3fe.