Words:
Julie Kelly
Photos:
Steve Dempsey,
Phil Kelly&
Richard Crute-Morris
Coast to coast SUP – living life to the full
Having come across a podcast interview with Jo Moseley back in 2021, I thought this was the push I needed to buy my first SUP, become a British Canoeing #ShePaddle Ambassador in 2022 and ultimately take on the 162-mile coast-to-coast (Desmond Canoe Trail) challenge this August with my long-time friend Lucy Crute-Morris. I always wanted to tackle this challenge with others, and luckily, Lucy was up for it. Planning began back in 2022, which made it slightly trickier with us living 86 miles apart!
To say that both our lives have been impacted by ill health and stressful times would be an understatement, and we are both massively grateful to the NHS for the care we have received. This has given us both a lust for life and a “life is for living” attitude, as you genuinely do not know what is around the corner. Lucy survived breast cancer at 35, and my husband, Phil, has two different forms of cancer. And we have children who have survived against the odds with meningitis and cystic fibrosis.
We decided to take on the coast-to-coast to push us out of our comfort zones and inspire others, and we have raised over £5.5k for Cancer Research UK. My husband Phil originates from Liverpool, and I’m a Yorkshire lass, so the route from Liverpool to Goole felt perfect, and arguments are ongoing over whether Lancashire or Yorkshire has the most attractive waterways.
Lucy and I met back in 1986 in Birmingham as we embarked on our training to become Physiotherapists. We have stayed firm friends ever since and have supported each other through the highs and lows of family life. This adventure was an ideal way for us to combine efforts to do something to support cancer research, do something positive for ourselves and encourage others to show what is achievable at any age!
Training
Living in different parts of the country, we got out on our respective waterways, including the Birmingham canal system and Bartley Reservoir for Lucy and I tackled the Thames and Oxford Reservoir. We both wanted to continue training over the winter months and managed a joint SUP on Derwentwater in March 2022. We both knew the importance of muscle memory and gradually increased our time out on the water, which at times was quite soul-destroying doing laps!
We chatted with Jo Moseley and Daisy Best, who had undertaken the challenge, to glean any hints and tips.
Planning
I must give a massive thanks to Lucy and her husband Richard, as they spent May half-term 2023 driving the route in their campervan Wanda and checking out the possible campsites. Richard was the head sherpa, and it was a relief to see him at the end of each day with Wanda and the joy of getting back to the campsite for a shower and a stretch!
Lucy had a detailed route map for each day, from the Canal & Rivers Trust, listing the number of locks, swing bridges and, more importantly, toilet opportunities from the Canal and Rivers Trust. Although carefully planned, some days ended up several miles beyond what was indicated and this definitely stretched us both physically and mentally at times.
Day 1 to 11
We had looked at the route and wanted to undertake it in 11 days (the same as Jo Moseley); we had thought about splitting it but decided to get it over with and hope we survived!
We encountered a mix of weather in August but escaped the downpours happening around the country. We had been warned about the swans and encountered one we tried very hard to paddle away from, but who was insistent on attacking our boards and taking run-ups with the noise of the wings still a strong memory.
The duckweed we encountered over the first few days resulted in us having to get out and walk along the towpath as it was just impassable. Having the river fin for my SUP was essential, and Richard came to the rescue for Lucy and managed to trim down a spare fin – there was a lot of reversing and de-tangling, which definitely slowed us down. Those early days tested the body and mind with new aches and pains felt each day and the mileage, clocking 20 miles on some days.
Locks
We walked around 91 locks, including the Wigan 21-lock and Bingley’s five-rise, and decided to use shoulder straps rather than carry wheels. We were grateful when we had friends join us to help carry our kit at times.
We soon discovered the joy of lying flat on our boards and passing under swing bridges- much laughter was had when we misjudged the height and found ourselves ricocheted backwards, having caught our PFD on the bridge joists!
The mile-long Foulridge tunnel allowed us to sing a medley of the ‘Sound of Music’ with superb acoustics for the 25-minute kneeling paddle.
We were joined along the route by friends walking on the towpath and joined by some fellow SUP’s and a kayaker. We were both surprised at the lack of paddlers on the canal route and had expected to see more people out enjoying the beautiful scenery.
What’s next?
We have decided to take on the Great Glen Canoe Trail next summer, but this time, we are unsupported. Lucy has already started planning the route, and I have bought my first camping stove!
We also designed our first tattoo to commemorate our achievement as two mid-life adventurers!
A massive thank-you to all those who supported us along the way and generously donated to raise £4702.00 plus £841.00 gift aid ( a total of £5543.00) was raised for Cancer Research UK.
Julie is very grateful for the loan of the Tambo Race 14’ 27.5” to use for this challenge, Richard from the Canoe and Kayak Store and Andy from FatStick Boards for PFD and paddle discounts.
