Norfolk adventurer prepares for solo kayak circumnavigation of mainland Britain

A Norfolk paddler and retired teacher is preparing to take on one of Britain’s toughest endurance challenges: a full circumnavigation of mainland Britain by sea kayak.

Ian Hayward, 58, who lives in Norfolk, plans to depart from Lowestoft in late April 2026, aiming to paddle more than 4,000 kilometres around the British coastline in a journey expected to take four to five months.

The expedition, titled ‘Britain by Kayak 2026’, will see Ian navigate some of the UK’s most demanding coastal waters — including tidal races, exposed headlands and remote stretches of shoreline — entirely under his own power.

A highly experienced outdoor leader, kayaker and former educator, Ian has spent the past year preparing both physically and mentally for the challenge. His training has included long-distance paddling, endurance conditioning and expedition testing in both the UK and Spain.

“I don’t need to be ready to complete the whole journey on day one,” Ian says.

“I just need to be ready to start. The rest is about adapting, learning and making good decisions in a constantly changing environment.”

The expedition is as much about mindset and resilience as it is about endurance. Ian reflects openly on lessons learned during training — including managing fatigue, reassessing risk after difficult surf conditions, and refining equipment, safety and communication systems.

Alongside the physical challenge, Ian is supporting Movember and Surfers Against Sewage to raise awareness of men’s health and environmental issues affecting Britain’s coastal waters. He also hopes to spend time listening to people who live and work around the coastline, capturing their experiences, hopes and concerns.

The expedition will be documented through his ‘GooseJuice Adventures’ platform, with regular updates, live tracking and video content shared online.

Ian has a long kayaking history, starting out in Scouts and progressing to competition in slalom, marathon, including DW events, and white water. He is now focusing more on open canoeing and sea kayaking while maintaining his marathon training at Norwich Canoe Club. Ian is also active in Scouting and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

• Departure: 26 April 2026 (weather dependent — confirmed ~48 hours prior)

• Start/finish: Lowestoft, Suffolk (Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club)

• Distance: ~4,000 km

• Duration: 4–5 months

• Expedition philosophy: Solo and unsupported — although Ian welcomes the occasional cup of tea, slice of cake, or offered shelter from those he meets along the way

Commercial sponsors:

• Tindall Brewery (producing a “GooseJuice” IPA supporting the charities)

• Reed Chillcheater Ltd (paddlesport clothing, Devon)

• Oxygen Advantage Ltd (breathwork training organisation)

Community partners:

• Norwich Canoe Club

• Norwich School