Sunday Times 2
Aussie sea kayakers circle Sri Lanka
It was history in the making as Aussie sea kayakers Ian Pexton and David Rowland got into their sea kayaks and set off from Mount Lavinia last Monday. Their task: to circumnavigate the entire perimeter of the island, and their target is to achieve the seemingly impossible within three weeks. This has been attempted once before, but the last expedition only got as far as Yala due to the war, but this time the horizons are clear and Borderlands Adventure, having teamed up with the experienced sea kayakers, are hopeful of success as they surge through the choppy seas.
The journey which commenced on December 13 at Mount Lavinia, will proceed clockwise with the two kayakers making landfall at locations including Jaffna, Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, Yala, Parrot Junction and Bentota. Covering a total of 1200 kilometres, the two will look to paddle up to 50 kilometres per day.
Aussie sea kayakers Ian Pexton and David Rowland. (Pic by Indika Handuwala)
Speaking at an event held last Sunday to launch the expedition, Managing Director of Borderlands Sri Lanka Wade Campbell said that the hope is to outline the adventure potential in Sri Lanka. “This expedition will let us showcase some of the magical spots around the country, while cementing a place as an adventure destination on the world map.”
The circumnavigation also celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Borderlands in Sri Lanka, a company that has organised a wide range of adventure activities from canoeing, hiking, and whale watching, and is now hoping to open up a new dimension with the advent of sea kayaking.
Ian and David don’t bat an eyelid when hinted that Sri Lanka would have expected much younger kayakers and have a good laugh about it. However, sea kayaking is a tough sport that requires grit and endurance. Both 40 years of age, they have been kayaking for the past 15 years and will put that experience to test as they circle the emerald isle. “It’s a lot of salt and sun, you need to be able to adapt to conditions and it takes a lot of mental and physical strength,” says Ian.
In the room are the two kayaks that they will be using and David explains the technicalities to us. Kayaks can range from 10-20 feet and are streamlined with sharp edges to allow for optimum cruising speeds through the water. Uncompromising on safety, they come with a spray deck, life-jackets, spare paddles and are built in such a way that if it topples the kayak will roll right back up keeping the kayaker above the water.
“The kayaks are sturdy and efficient, allowing us to paddle about 50 kilometres per day through rough seas,” says Ian. They will be camping out at various locations to stock up on food and rest, but a large part of their day would be spent paddling out at sea.
“Looks like we’ve picked quite the season to set off, but we’re ready to brave it,” says David. A risk-assessment had been done and they feel confident. How far they will venture from the coastline will depend on the type of shore at various points.
“Although it’s not a racing sport, we’d want to finish the circumnavigation within three weeks, mainly because we have to get back to our jobs in Perth and there’s only so much leave,” laughs David. While David doesn’t underscore the enormity of this challenge, he tells us of a time when he paddled for 42 hours straight across the windswept Zuytdorp Cliffs in Western Australia. “But as long as you know that you’re safe, it’s great fun and anyone can learn it easy.” Both Ian and David have been loving their stay so far and it will only get better from here onwards as they taste the vibrancy and multitude of attractions the island has to offer as they circle around it.