Ever get the feeling you've really messed up? I had that feeling when I arrived in Oban for the weekend recently only to witness the inaugural Oban Sea Kayak Race taking place. Of course, as I was half way through a job in a hospital about as far from the sea as you can get in Scotland, I didn't bring my kayak or my gear. To be honest I've never taken part in a paddling race before and I'm sure my lack of preparation would have meant that I lagged well behind, but it would have been nice just to take part.The race circumnavigates the Island of Kerrera which is just off Oban. Much of the 20 km route is remote and exposed and I think just finishing would be an achievement in itself. A further great achievement is the over £1000 raised for the RNLI. The overall winner was John Willacy from Anglesey in an astonishing time of 1 hour 55 minutes and 41 seconds. You can read more about the race and perhaps sign up for next years at www.obanseakayakrace.org .
