Sian Sykes 1000 KM SUP journey around Wales, UK.

Hi Sian, how does it feel to complete such an epic achievement?

It was an incredible journey, loved every minute of it. I guess I would say it was a life changing experience. The trip went better than I imagined. I saw some stunning landscapes, saw plenty of bird and marine life, plus I was overwhelmed by the absolute kindest from strangers. I am so stoked that I have inspired people to make a pledge to find alternatives to single use plastics and raise awareness about plastic pollution.

What route did you take around Wales?

I started the journey in the north, at Connahs Quay on the River Dee, North Wales. I had wanted to start on Anglesey, Wales where I live however bad weather (the Beast from East) scuppered my plans so I launched inland on the estuary and made my way to Chester, England. I then went south on the Shropshire Union Canal, carried on into the Llangollen Canal and then to the Montgomery Canal. After a 4km road portage with my Starboard Touring board I entered the River Vyrnwy and onto the River Severn to Gloucester, then I jumped on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal before making my way out into the Severn Estuary, at Sharpness in England. From there I paddled around the complex and rugged coastline of Wales and I finished back at Connahs Quay on 4th May, a journey of 60 days, 37 days paddling and 23 days on land.

Photo Credit: Eastwood Media

Did you find any parts particularly difficult?

Photo Credit: Eastwood Media

I know it sounds boring, I didn’t find it hard. Prior to the expedition I trained incredibly hard so I was fully prepared. Every day was different and I enjoyed constantly assessing the conditions of water, weather and possibly locations I could get to with options to bail if I needed to. I enjoyed the simplicity of my journey and the focus on just me and the decisions I made. I also really tuned into my gut instincts, it played a huge role.

When you are solo and unsupported it is just down to you and your ability to make the right decisions and be able to adapt to different conditions. I was never phased by it, I was invigorated, being on the water in such variety conditions I thrive from it. I had been warned about the Severn Estuary, Jack Sound, Ramsey Sound , Bardsey Sound, the 7 firing ranges, crossing Milford Haven and also the tidal races off headlands to. But I took each day at a time and prepared, ensuring I planned well to ensure success each day.

Were there any stand out days?

There are so many, each day was special such as meeting kind and encouraging people who would offer me a place to stay, baked vegan chocolate brownies, cheering me on with the welsh flag from the headlands and inspiring them to make a pledge against single use plastics. Being on the water during a stunning sunset, on a spring tidal race and seeing porpoise darting out of the water towards me. Completing the challenging sections of the trip successfully unsupported, a wonderful confidence booster that it was down to my ability and the decisions I made. Paddling an open crossing in pea soup (foggy) conditions, something quiet atmospheric paddling on a bearing and not seeing anything around you.

Photo Credit: Eastwood Media

 Monster big days such as 70km journey from Barry to Mumbles and from Both Sands to Aberdaron. I am one driven lady and pleased I could get the mileage in. Wild camping in stunning locations and watching dolphins in the bay. Bivouacking under a full moon

What was the goal for the journey?

What is next on the agenda?

Got something planned for next year possibly, but looking at if it is possible and if I could do it solo and unsupported. I am restricted when I can have time off as I run a SUP business. But I have lots in the pipeline.