Seaquest – Paddle Orienteering in Cumbria

Rob Howard / 24.04.2007

There are many Trailquests and orienteering events around the country, but if you want to practice your navigation on the water (or your tidal sea paddling skills) there are very few opportunities. Seaquest on Saturday May 19th in the Ravenglass Estuary is the chance to do both.

The event is organised by Phil Cheek and Annette Morris (regular ACE Racers in the past) as a social/competitive outing for North West Sea Kayakers, an informal group of paddlers who make trips in NW England and N. Wales (and sometimes elsewhere).

Seaquest will be a score orienteering style event, with 17 checkpoints with different points values and a 3 hour time limit to get as many as possible. The checkpoints will be in obvious places, though you are most likely to need to get out to collect them. They will be within the estuary along the Esk, Mite and Irt rivers, and anyone who has not been to the area before is in for a treat.

Ravenglass is a small, one-street village hidden off the main road on the edge of the Lake District, with its own miniature railway, a hotel, pub and village shop, and some of the best coastal and surrounding mountain scenery in the country. Friends, family and spectators are welcome and there is a social at the Holly House Hotel to present prizes.

The estuary is sheltered and although tides are complex (affected by Atlantic swell, wind, river levels) the 3 hour limit is either side of a medium high tide so there should be enough water. (And maybe a little mud trekking if you get it wrong.) Planning for the tidal conditions should add to the fun!

Seaquest is open to solos, pairs or groups, in sea kayaks, tourers or Canadians, and under 18’s are welcome in the company of experienced paddlers. The event is raising money for the St. Bees lifeboat appeal and there is camping in the area. If you fancy a go see www.nwsk.org.uk.