An adventure with FG Wilson – by Robert Cullinan
Want to experience Adventure & Challenge, while teetering on the edge of your Comfort Zone? – then consider a weekend expedition away with Mobile Team Adventure.
Written by Robert Cullinan
It’s hard to think back to the dull day last February when 24 members of Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division (F.G.Wilson Engineering) initially responded to an internal e-mail suggestion to ‘do something challenging’ for charity. The originally proposed route of Larne to Portrush was changed to encompass the Ards Peninsula & Strangford Lough after safety considerations (capsizing and rescue options) were reviewed. John Hubbucks from Mobile Team Adventure quickly came on board with a great offer – he’d provide the necessary kit and personal guidance for the trip if we signed up to a series of six instructional lessons on Sea Kayaking, to develop our physical skills and water confidence.
Over the subsequent months, we gradually increased our proficiency and ventured beyond the confines of Carrickfergus Harbour to the open sea around Whitehead and Groomsport. Throughout the training there was a steady attrition in numbers as some people realised the activity was just too much for them, and others retired due to other commitments. Finally, as the date loomed ever closer, we finalised the number …. 9 of the original 24 would paddle from Bangor, down the Irish Sea paralleling the Ards Peninsula, through the Strangford Narrows, and onto Whiterock – a total distance of 85 kilometres .
Setting off from Bangor Marina, we headed straight for the Copeland Islands, and then caught the flooding tide to push us down the channel. Typically we paddled continuously for two hour blocks, averaging 6 – 7 km distance per session. Friday night saw us rough camping at Ballyhalbert , allowing an early start on the Saturday morning.
Paddling out past Portavogie lighthouse into the deep sea channel, we caught the tide again and made good progress towards our next goal of the headland at the entrance to Strangford Narrows.
The name Strangford is derived from Old Norse: Strangr-fjorðr meaning “strong fjord”; describing the fast-flowing narrows at its mouth. The island studded sea lough is the largest inlet in the British Isles, covering 150 km². Almost totally landlocked, the lough is approached from the Irish Sea through the eight kilometre long fast-running tidal narrows, which open out into more gentle waters where there are 70 islands.
John explained the need to follow his line exactly as we entered ‘the conveyor belt’ of water that was flooding into Strangford Lough , to avoid the risk of capsize and being swept away by the currents …a very sobering thought. Once on the conveyor, we flew through the Narrows. One of our party , using a GPS satellite navigation device, recorded our drift speed at 17 km/ hr – 5 times faster than our paddling speed.
After a quick hop off the Conveyor at Portaferry for tea and treats, we again caught the tide to push on to Island Taggart outside Killyleagh, the site of our second overnight camp. After a hot meal and a blazing campfire, everyone had a good night’s rest.
Sunday saw a relatively leisurely 10 km paddle to the finish point at Whiterock , eventually arriving at 12noon , exactly 50 hours after we’d set off on our adventure from Bangor Marina.
If I’m totally honest, there were times when I thought we’d taken on too much, but on reflection, it could not have been a more perfect weekend. The diverse group gelled well from the beginning, the weather (wind and tides) were very kind to us , and John Hubbuck’s presence reminded us that we were always in safe hands. According to the latest estimate, the nine paddlers collectively raised £1400 for MacMillan Cancer Support through sponsorship pledges and everyone certainly got a large portion of adventure and challenge. I’ve written this piece to acknowledge the efforts of the nine paddlers who completed the challenge , but more importantly to recognise the pivotal role played by Mobile Team Adventure staff , and John Hubbucks particularily , in providing such an enjoyable and worthwhile experience.
Robert Cullinan.
