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Thames Kayaking Challenge The Fusionists

Those enjoying the canals around Staffordshire/ Cheshire over the last few months may have spotted 3 young lads powering up and down in rather gaudy coloured kayaks. These would be Simon, James and Rannoch – collectively known as the Fusionists.

Following an opportunity, made available through their school, of a month long expedition to the Ecuador and the Galapagos - the Fusionists were born as part of the fund raising efforts.

The first of hopefully many challenges is a 135 miles kayak of the non-tidal Thames in July. With previous kayak experience being limited to short holiday trips, this is a tall order for the team.

The first job was the selection of the kayaks to use. For those that have read the article on this site regarding kayaking on canals you will know that the correct kayak will make the journey all that much easier. Not mentioned in the article is the importance of a good seat. Having used kayaks with poor seating in the past, Simon was quick to highlight the importance on their lower backs.

Given also that the Fusionists would like to try other challenges in the future, then it became clear that one of the new style cross over kayaks would be appropriate. Within kayaking there are a number of disciplines and the kayaks are designed to perform well within those disciplines. For example, a white water kayak is generally small and very manoeuvrable – superb for twisting in and out of rocks, but terrible for keeping a straight line over a distance. Cross over kayaks attempt to bring the gap between the disciplines – while never being the best in any one, but being capable of all – a jack of all trades.

The Pyranha Fusion faired very well within reviews, so soon became our kayak of choice. A wide and stable hull providing reassurance for the less experiences kayaker, a drop down skeg to keep the kayak on the straight and narrow, a rear waterproof hatch for lunch and, most importantly, a supportive seat – perfection.

hearing about the lads challenge, Pyranha where keen to help and soon the team was on the water and getting into their training.

Their longest trek started in Bugsworth in the High Peak with the weather already taking a turn for the worst with that kind of dreary rain that soaks you to the bone. The support team unceremoniously dump the lads into the canal and they are off.

They hit the Marple junction just over six miles later in high spirits. James is already soaking wet and Rannoch had found himself a football. Pleased with their efforts the lads turn south onto the Macclesfield canal.

10 miles in and the support team receive a phone call claiming that the lads had found an island … in a canal! Lunch soon follows and was far from a glamorous affair – less silver services, more feeding time at the zoo. Following a variety of sandwiches, crisps and cakes being thrown into the animal enclosure (the support car) they were off again.

Half way, and the lads hit the market town of Macclesfield, leaving the countryside for the urban sprawl. As they passed under a bridge, known locally for suicide attempts, they picked up replacement drinks and consume them like marathon runners.

Hitting the top of the Bosley locks the lads wearily pull themselves out. James struggles to lift his arms higher than shoulder height – not good for a goalie taking part in a football tournament the next day. Sympathy for him was shorted lived as the kayaks are loaded onto the support car and portages 2 miles round the twelve locks.

Sitting in the car as the kayaks are unloaded all three lads were slow to move and took the opportunity to top up of cake and drinks. With James leading the charge to start again the lads were back in and heading towards Congleton.

An hour and a half later, they found their families await them under Peel Lane Bridge. An 8 o’clock start, 10 hours and 27 miles later finds three very tired and wet teenage lads were sitting in the Egerton Arms nursing soft drinks and aching arms.

Lessons learned for the day; 1) Don’t let James set his own targets otherwise he may never finish, 2) Simon has the oddest paddle stroke ever seen, but it works and he ends the driest of everyone – including the support team and 3) Even with limited training opportunities, the sportsman Rannoch will do the distance on tenacity if nothing else.

The training has been a wonderful time, even in the rain, and has allowed the lads to see some of the most beautiful countryside. Everyone on the canals has been superbly friendly and the team would like to extend their thanks to those that have offered helpful advice along the way.

Simon, James and Rannoch are raising money for a monthly long expedition to Ecuador and the Galapagos in 2012. During their time there the boys will be engaged in voluntary conservation.

Follow their adventures at www.TheFusionists.com