Displaying items by tag: Mike Jones

29th July 2012

Corkman Completes Round-Ireland Solo Sea Kayak Challenge

#SEA KAYAKING - It was a lucky Friday the 13th for Cork adventurer Mike Jones who returned to an enthusiastic reception on completing his solo circumnavigation of Ireland by kayak after 40 days at sea.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, Jones set out from Cobh on Monday 4 June in an 18-foot sea kayak with the aim of completing the charity challenge in under five weeks.

Unfortunately the tumultuous weather of the past few weeks put paid to those plans, but as he told the Cork Independent, he "wasn't that far off" the 35-day mark.

"The weather was of course very bad and it was a battle for the first few days of it," he added. "The longest day for me was crossing Donegal Bay up north where I was kayaking for about 17 hours which was pretty tiring."

Despite the rough conditions, Jones was well prepared for any and all eventualities, even using a VHF radio to keep in regular contact with the Irish Coast Guard and carrying a GPS tracker so visitors to his blog could track his daily progress.

And considering his pedigree as an open-water rower - he became one of the first Cork men to row across the Atlantic Ocean in 2010 - Jones was more than able for the job.

But he also admitted that the kindness he received from strangers was pivotal to his successful effort, which has so far raised almost €3,500 for the Children's Sunshine Home and LauraLynn House for children with life-limiting conditions.

The Cork Independent has more on the story HERE.

Published in Kayaking

Tagged under

About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.