Sea Kayak challenge for charity

A Royal Navy Air Engineering Officer from the Fleet Air Arm's West Cornwall Base has completed an 18 day solo unsupported sea kayak paddle between Falmouth and Portsmouth, raising money for charity. 

Lieutenant Commander Steve Fuller from 849 Naval Air Squadron at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose raised a staggering £7000 with his impressive challenge. His remarkable journey saw his dodging large cargo and container ships which were plying their trade along the south coast harbours and ports which he passed. Dragging his kayak out of the water every night to pitch his tent he met many well wishers who showed great interest in his solo adventure. 

Covering on average about 24 miles a day there were sometimes moments of high anxiety when Steve had to sprint some distances to make tidal gates and deal with strong currents along his route. 

"I certainly felt very small against some of the huge container ships going up the Solent into Southampton", said Steve. "I had to keep my wits about me whilst playing chicken with the traffic flow." 

Steve set off from Falmouth with a little bit of trepidation but an even stronger will to complete his 250 mile challenge, that covered the four counties along the coast from Cornwall to Hampshire. Visiting Naval Training Bases at Dartmouth and Gosport where he collected some of the charity money raised by fellow sailors, he was overwhelmed by their generous contributions. Describing it as a memorable challenge and a real adventure, the BBC “Children in Need” appeal and The Royal Navy & Royal Marines charity will share the total of just shy of £7000. 

Paddling into Portsmouth harbour on a rough and windy morning Steve estimated that his voyage had seen him performed a quarter of a million paddle strokes bringing him to the end of his kayak venture and Navy Command Headquarters. 

 “It’s been a memorable and adventurous challenge that’s really pushed me to my limits”, said Steve. “People have been so generous along the way and I’ve raised close to £7000 for BBC Children in Need and the Royal Navy & Royal Marines charity.”