Interview: Peter Tranter

Photos: Colin Skeath,
Davis Gould-Duff,
Katrina Skeath
and Sandra de la Comb

Colin was initially introduced to kayaking when he was a member of an outdoor pursuits group at school, he enjoyed it but wasn’t very good. Things changed after a trip to Harrisons Rocks, where he was instantly addicted to climbing – a pursuit that completely gripped him leading him to never imagine a time when he wouldn’t climb. However, in 2010 Katrina and Colin bought their first canoe to give them something to do when the crags were out of condition. For Colin it was great to learn new skills and see the world from a different perspective. Gradually climbing gave way to canoeing and here he is.

An interview with… Colin Skeath
From climbing El Capitan to the first circumnavigation of Britain by canoe… EPIC

What canoe and equipment are you using?
If I’m paddling or sailing solo, then I’m in a Hou Prospector, but if I’m out tandem with Katrina then it’s our trusty Swift Temagami. Freebird Paddles (previously Downcreek) are my go-to paddles. I use their Big Dipper and SwanKing (a cross between the Kingfisher and Swan paddles). My expedition sailing equipment is from Solway Dory, but I also use an Endless River solo sail as a quick and easy alternative. For clothing, I choose PeakUK.

With the circumnavigation of Britain in the bag, what draws you to ultra-long and difficult expeditions?
I think it stems back from my climbing days. I was never at the forefront of climbing and I would always be repeating routes, which was great, but I always liked the idea of doing first ascents. In canoeing this was easy as there are so many firsts to do. I think coming from a climbing background gave me a fresh perspective on the possibilities of adventures in an open canoe.

When preparing for a long expedition in challenging conditions – what are the qualities you look for in a fellow team mate canoeist?
A lot of what I do in a canoe isn’t technically difficult, so they don’t need to be the world’s best paddler, but what they do need is stamina – both physical and mental.

On my last big trip, Katrina and I spent 29 hours in our canoe and covered around 100 miles in open sea. We were attempting a 200-mile crossing of the North Sea from near Cleethorpes to Holland. After 60 miles, we were paddling in the pitch black of night against a strong tide and we realised that we were not going to make it – but we still needed to paddle out and self-rescue. This paddle out for us was a 40-mile slog to Cromer, in the dark across some major shipping lanes.

This would be a serious paddle for anyone, let alone two paddlers who were already spent with no back up support. There is a moment when you could panic, the land is miles away, it’s dark, you’re exhausted and there is always the possibility of being squashed by a big ship, but you need to remain calm. This is when you are really tested, when it goes wrong. My partner needs to be able to remain rational and make good decisions when the going gets tough.

What’s the most enjoyable encounter with wildlife that you’ve had whilst paddling?
I’m very lucky in that my local playground is the coastal waters of the west coast of Scotland. I regularly see seals and otters playing in the water or eagles soaring above me as I paddle along. I’ve had dolphins swim alongside me and seen the odd Minke Whale breach in the distance. But the best encounter for me was when Katrina and I were paddling out to St Kilda from North Uist. There was no wind but a big swell. It was hot and almost unbearable in our dry suits.

We had both been seasick and were feeling ill. Our progress was painfully slow and we were on the verge of turning around when Katrina pointed out to sea and shouted, “Colin, look, there’s a shark… or a whale… or something,” and sure enough, just 20 feet from the bow of our canoe, a Minke Whale breached the surface several times, taking our minds off our pain. This was a real moral boost for us both – we perked up, laughed at Katrina calling it a shark, and put more effort into our paddling until we reached our destination.

How does open canoeing above all give you satisfaction?
To have an idea of a journey on a map and then to turn it into reality is really satisfying. But I also love the freedom, not just of travelling but of decision-making. When Davis and I were on the tip of Anglesey on our UK circumnavigation, we chose to cross to the Isle of Man and then to Northern Ireland. This was our decision, no one told us to do it, there was no precedent. This is a freedom, which is found in all aspects of canoeing, from crossing a loch in a strong wind or going down a grade 3 rapid – you make the decisions.

What’s the one favourite piece of camping kit you couldn’t do without?
I love my True North Big Tarp. It is superb. If I can, I’ll use this instead of a tent.

If you could capture just one ‘feel good’ moment in your time paddling – which would it be and why?
Paddling around Mull with Ray Goodwin. Superb weather, stunning scenery, and good company.

Do you have any favourite conditions for paddling or are you happy with whatever Mother Nature bowls your way on the day?
There aren’t many conditions that I don’t like. Wild, windy days are great for canoe sailing. Bouncing along waves just on the edge of control is guaranteed to put a smile on my face.

have you ever been scared out there and by what?
Yes, two things can send me to jelly, one I have experienced the other I have managed to avoid but it scares me anyway.

Big ships I have experienced. They are fast, difficult to judge and they can’t see you. There is nothing more frightening than having a big ship bearing down and you don’t know if you should paddle forwards backwards or sideways to get out of its way.

The other thing that scares me is thunder storms. A big black cumulonimbus cloud threatening lightning when you are on a big open crossing and there is no escape is the stuff of nightmares. So far I’ve been lucky.

What’s on the bucket list?
To complete the North Sea crossing with Katrina, and I want to do a big solo trip but I’m not sure yet what it will be.

You retired from the police force in 2017, anything you miss about policing on the front line?
I loved my job, have some great memories and friends but have moved on and look to the future with only the occasional glance over my shoulder.

You’re an outdoor person, what do you do when not paddling?
I started open water swimming 15 months ago. I swim three or four times a week all year round, usually in Loch Sunart. I also love to play my guitar.

I’m a paddler and going on a trip, where would you recommend?
The west coast of Scotland has so much to offer. Beautiful coastal paddles, white water rivers and multi-day expeditions. If I had to choose just one place – you can’t beat Loch Sunart.

Are there any issues that stop you sleeping at night?
Mice in our loft, they keep me awake most nights.

You look a very happy and contented man – what’s the secret to your good feeling?
I’m so very lucky, I live in a beautiful place surrounded by great people. I get enthusiastic about things. I love swimming and playing my guitar and there is always another canoe adventure to plan. Above all though, I have an amazing wife.

If you were God for a day, what changes would you make to the world?
I would like to see a kinder more tolerant world where dishonesty isn’t the new norm.

Who does the more canoeing – you or your wife Katrina?
Paddling – about the same. Sailing – I do more.

Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you…
I broke my back and wrist in 1988 after falling from a climb in the Peak District and spent my time in hospital filling in my police application form.

We hear you have a book coming out, can you tell us something about it?
Only Fools and White Horses is the human story of Davis Gould-Duff and I making the first circumnavigation of the UK in an open canoe. It describes how Davis began the trip with only 12 days canoeing under his belt and my limited experience in a canoe. I talk of the ordeals of being caught in the huge tide races off the Pentland firth, the profound effort it took to round Flamborough Head and the relentless waves of the Thames Estuary amongst others. On a more personal level, I talk of the strain that this journey put on my relationship with Davis and the difficulties I faced. The book gives an insight into a major expedition and the physical and mental challenges faced. Above all, I hope it shows the possibilities of the open canoe at sea.

When and where can people buy the book?
It will be available online through Amazon and all major book stores at the end of May, but it is available to buy now directly from me via the following link – https://source-2-sea.co.uk/our-book/

Quickies…

If you could paddle with anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be?
Ernest Shackleton.

Pick two celebrities to be your parents.
Homer and Marge Simpson.

Which one sportsman or woman has inspired you?
Reinhold Messner.

Are you a bathroom/shower singer and if so what do you sing?
I think the neighbours would have something to say if I did. But given the chance I would belt out Georgia On My Mind.

Favourite film?
Highlander. It’s so amazingly bad, with appalling effects and a Frenchman playing a Scot and a Scot playing a Spaniard, that it’s just brilliant. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched it!

Cats or dogs?
Dogs.

Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook. I just don’t get twitter.

An ideal night out for you is?
Eating curry with friends.

What one luxury item would you take with you on a desert island?
My Guitar.

What’s in your fridge right now?
Not a lot to be honest, we need a trip into town… milk, cheese, butter and yoghurt… just the essentials.

If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
If I’m cooking it will be a Venison dinner. If Katrina’s cooking you’ll probably get a toasty.

Who are your canoeing buddies?
Katrina, Ray Goodwin, Lina Patel, Martin & Nikki Aldridge, Lennart Bal and Sandra de la Combe.

What’s the most boring question you are often asked?
“Is canoeing the one with a single oar?”

Finally, any shout outs?
To Davis Gould-Duff who’s now living in Canada.

Many thanks Colin for all of your help on this – we really appreciate it.