IT is all too rare in the 21st Century to experience genuine wilderness, but that’s what adventurous Manx duo Keirron Tastagh and George Shaw were able to do in Alaska as they set a new record in sea-kayaking.
Keirron and George have returned home after having completed the furthest journey by sea kayak west of Dutch Harbour on Unalaska in the Aleutian Islands, reaching the remote Herbert Island.
The five-week trip included 12 days on the water, paddling along the ‘Ring of Fire’, sandwiched between the Pacific swells and the unpredictable and stormy Bering Sea.
Away from the sea challenges ranged from digging the kayaks out of the snow in the morning, to enduring sub-zero temperatures and constant buffeting of the tent at night, to the final week-long storm bound wait on Herbert Island.
Kierron recalled: ‘A particularly challenging experience was being physically lifted and shaken about in the tent by 50 knot winds, before having to brave the storm and retreat further up the beach in torrential rain, wrestling with the entire camp!’
He added: ‘The rewards were the close encounters with wildlife including sea otters, albatross, seals, puffins, whales and pristine wilderness with plenty of snow!’
Wildlife observations focused on sea otters, investigating the declining population, and also recording and photographing larger mammals.
Keirron also used the journey to further develop his British Canoe Union level five coaching project with notes on motivation and leadership in challenging conditions. Kierron said they took inspiration from the Aleutians’ rich culture and kayaking heritage. The journey took them through areas credited with the origins of kayaking, in the lands of the native Unangan (Aleut people). The volcanic chain was originally populated with 12-15,000 people, renowned as some of the best kayakers in the world.
Part of expedition was to develop an understanding of the Aleut people, and how the fate of the early sea otter and Aleut population were intrinsically linked.
Not wishing to become a casualty of the environment, or in the words of Tom Pogson catch ‘destination fever’, Kierron and George made the decision to complete the expedition at Herbert Island, fully understanding of the real risks of progressing further.
Now safely home, Kierron added: ‘We’d like to thank all who touched us with their generosity, hospitality, sponsorship and support.’