London-Marrakech Big 5 Kayak Challenge Enjoys R’n’R in Gibraltar

Oct. 29, 2010 - PRLog -- Having left London’s Tower Bridge one month previously, the Big 5 Kayak Challenge team paddled and peddled almost 2,000 miles to make it to the five star comfort of Gibraltar’s Ocean Village Marina at 7.42pm on Tuesday this week.  Thursday morning, and 36 hours of temporary revival later, the adrenalin-hungry adventurers set off by kayak to cross the Strait to Africa and commence the final leg of their epic London-Marrakech Challenge.

Keen to offer support to this inspirational fundraising mission, Ocean Village happily passed the Challenge team keys to luxury apartment accommodation in its waterfront Grand Ocean Plaza residential tower for two nights of thoroughly deserved rest.  Meanwhile Ocean Village’s Pier Office offered insider knowledge on tides and winds for the crossing of the Gibraltar Strait whilst Rock resident Mick Hudson and his motoryacht generously acted as ‘support boat’ throughout.

Expedition leader and all-round action enthusiast Richard Harpham, who’s covered the entire punishing distance, had this to say, “It was certainly a relief to find ourselves in the prestigious surroundings of Ocean Village.  A challenge cannot be named as such if it’s easy, and we’ve certainly faced some tests along the way.  We started as we meant to continue by kayaking the world’s busiest shipping route - the English Channel - and since then have ascended to fatiguing heights of over 1,000m cycling the Pyrenees and peddled the notorious N340 highway – statistically one of Europe’s most dangerous.  We’ve even been warned and fined by Guardia invoking Spanish law to the letter for not displaying the relevant flag on our kayaks.”

Richard continues, “Personally I’ve been knocked over by a bus in Le Mans and ended up in hospital in Almeria with post-calamari-consumption anaphylactic shock.  But we’re incredibly only two days behind schedule and I live to tell the tale – albeit a very colourful one.  Myself and the rest of the team are now on the African continent after a very special Strait crossing where wild dolphins quite literally showed us the way and enthusiastically eyeing destination Marrakech.  We’re feeling a huge amount of satisfaction for both the awareness and money we’ve helped raise for charity.”

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, Richard Harpham announced a second ‘Big 5’ to the assembled public at this year’s London Boat Show, bringing the tally to a total of 4,500 miles of adventure.  London-Marrakech is the last in the current series.

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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for further press information or photography please contact Sarah Drane
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About Ocean Village:
More than a marina, Ocean Village is an all-encompassing resort with three iconic residential plazas, executive office facilities, international retail outlets and plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants. Meticulous lighting, an elegant boardwalk, decked piers and over 10,000 decorative trees and plants make for the ideal environment for soaking up the southern Mediterranean lifestyle. The residential plazas which tower up to 17 storeys are iconic amongst Gibraltar’s skyline with their blue glass-cloaked terracing offering views across the Straits to the mountains of North Africa. Sharing an oasis of seven swimming pools set in sub tropical gardens, as well as an on-site Health Club, these homes are popular with the local market and expat newcomers alike. At the heart of Ocean Village is Leisure Island, a massive land reclamation project which accommodates the first Gala Coral facility to house a casino, bingo club and sports betting zone under one roof.