WILD SWIMMING needed sleep. The crossing had taken 9 hours and 40 minutes due to the conditions – but we more than made up for it during our two-day stay on the islands. We explored the rocky outcrops and sheltered bays around Samson and Tresco and, despite a storm that blew through, it was a paddling heaven with big swells and clear tropical waters. There are a number of places on my adventures that have left me with a strong desire to return. The Isles of Scilly is high on this list. I can’t wait to explore more of the archipelago by kayak or stand up paddleboard, and enjoy once more the crystal clear waters and the warm sub-tropical air.
"WE PADDLED INTO ST. MARY’S HARBOUR AND HEADED FOR THE BEACH AMONGST THE GIGS IN HUGH TOWN. WE WERE ELATED."
Having swum for her home country for most of her youth, Katia Vastiau now travels all over the world, feeding her wild swimming hunger.
I
had been longing to visit the Isles of Scilly ever since I moved to the UK. Friends raved about the amazing waters and last summer, finally I made it. The natural beauty of the archipelago hits you immediately, but the true gem appeared as I walked across St. Martin’s: endless white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters! A swimmer’s paradise that looked like it had just been plucked right out of the Caribbean; even the vegetation here is lush and more tropical – although the same is not so true for the water temperatures… a refreshing �5˚C! Our group, guided by Adventure Scilly, started with an acclimatisation swim along the shore of St. Martin’s – the visibility was amazing. I chose to wear my wetsuit, whilst some of the others just wore their
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