Big 5 Kayak Challenge Comes to Ocean Village Gibraltar

Oct. 3, 2010 - PRLog -- On Monday 25 October, Ocean Village will be welcoming some very weary bodies to its marina.  Having kayaked and cycled their way from London’s Tower Bridge, members of the ‘Big 5 Kayak Challenge’ team will be resting themselves in Gibraltar in preparation for a tricky paddle across the Strait before getting back in the saddle for final destination Marrakech and the end of the ‘Big 5’ for 2010.

The original Big 5 Kayak Challenge kicked off at the Southampton Boat Show in September 2008 with an 85 mile route down Southampton Water and around the Isle of Wight.  Followed a 36 hour mission along the length of the Thames during arctic February conditions, a ferry-dodging traverse of the English Channel, the 30 mile crossing between Land’s End and the Isles of Scilly before culminating in July 2009 with the grueling 1,000 mile Inside Passage from Vancouver to Alaska accompanied by bears and killer whales.  But the quest was not to end there.  With many more of the planet’s challenging waters left to tackle, expedition leader Richard Harpham announced a second ‘Big Five’ to the assembled public at this year’s London Boat Show, bringing the tally to a total of 4,500 miles of adventure.

Final challenge London to Marrakech via Gibraltar’s Ocean Village is unique amongst all Big 5 expeditions as it involves large stretches of pedal power.  The longest mission so far, it will cover around 900 miles of kayaking and 1,400 miles of cycling and encompass the world’s busiest shipping route – the English Channel – as well as the world’s second – the Strait of Gibraltar.  Hopefully Ocean Village will prove to be a relaxing and friendly pit stop for 24 hours.

Brian Stevendale, Sales & Marketing Director for Ocean Village, comments, “Thanks to our strategic location, world class facilities and tax efficient status, there’s never a dull moment at Ocean Village.  This year we’ve welcomed a replica 600BC Phoenician sailing ship completing an epic circumnavigation of Africa, hosted a colourful Cardboard Boat Race and provided berthing for a roll call of the world’s finest megayachts.  We’re now delighted to be able to offer our support to the Big 5 Kayak Challenge at the end of the month and to form a tiny part of their record-breaking venture; particularly as they’re championing some great causes including The Muscle Help Foundation and the Marine Conservation Society as well as raising awareness for The Rivers Access Campaign back in the UK.”

To follow the progress of the Big 5 Kayak Challenge, including clips of TV coverage from BBC Sports Presenter Mike Bushell, visit www.big5kayakchallenge.com.  So far many thousands of pounds have been raised for their various chosen charities, to offer your support please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/big5kayakchallenge.  All funds raised go direct to charity as the team covers all costs associated with the various challenges.  To enquire about the facilities at Ocean Village, including recently launched international standard Premier Berths, visit www.gibraltarberths.com or contact Brian Stevendale direct on brian.stevendale@oceanvillage.gi, telephone 00 350 200 40048.

The Big 5 Kayak Challenges:
1.   Sea kayaking round the Isle of Wight
2.   Kayaking the length of the River Thames
3.   Crossing the English Channel
4.   Land’s End to the Isles of Scilly
5.   The Inside Passage – Vancouver to Alaska
6.   Kayaking around Malta and Gozo
7.   Canoeing the Yukon
8.   John O’Groats to the Orkney Isles
9.   Scotland to Ireland via Jura and the Corryvreckan Whirlpool
10.   London to Marrakech – cycling and kayaking

About the Causes:
The Muscle Help Foundation – www.musclehelp.com - The charity exists to deliver amazing and unforgettable experiences in the UK for children and young people with muscular dystrophy … helping them to live a dream or fulfill a cherished ambition.

The Rivers Access Campaign - www.riversaccess.org - Raising awareness of the access issue on inland waterways in England and Wales - currently only 2% of rivers in England and Wales have public access.  Even wading in a river that has no access could mean that you are committing trespass.

Marine Conservation Society – www.mcsuk.org - Their vision is for seas rich in wildlife, abundant fish stocks and pollution free beaches and bathing waters – seas that are fit for wildlife to thrive in and for people to enjoy, and seas that will support future generations with abundant resources.  They champion the need for marine wildlife protection, sustainable fisheries and clean seas and beaches.  

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