Two men from Ulverston in Cumbria, UK are close to completing a record-breaking open canoe journey around Ireland’s coastline.
Rich Ensoll and Johan Hoving began paddling on 1 July from Crosshaven, Cork. Travelling clockwise, they have covered 1,390km in 38 days.
They average 46km a day, with the final stretch expected to finish on 15 August back at Crosshaven.
Fewer than 100 people have circumnavigated Ireland by sea kayak, but none in a traditional open canoe.
The handmade skin-on-frame canoe, Ronan, on a beach with sails up
Their handmade skin-on-frame canoe, Ronan, was built by John Wilkinson of Valkyrie Crafts. It has carried them through calm waters, storms, and encounters with dolphins.
The pair have camped in remote coves, stayed in fishing villages, and visited busy marinas. Wilkinson repaired Ronan’s hull when they reached the northernmost point of their route.
“This trip is about more than the destination,” they wrote on their blog, Canoeing Round Ireland. “The friendships built and lessons learned would still be worth it.”
The duo are raising funds for The Kepplewray Trust’s Participation and Inclusion Fund and Oxfam Ireland.
