Sea kayaking is fast growing in popularity and this weekend there was further evidence as a new kayaking race was trialled on the west coast of Scotland.

With only one official sea kayak race on the calendar, the Oban Sea Kayak race, there is clearly plenty of space for more to be launched. On Saturday, the Lismore Kayak Challenge had its first outing.

The trial event started at Ganavan Sands in Oban and headed out to the Lismore Lighthouse, positioned at the most southerly tip of the Island of Lismore in the Firth of Lorn, and on its very own island.

Kayakers then paddled around the lighthouse before heading back to Oban for a total race distance of around 18k.

The race was hotly competed by 15 kayakers, with Nicky Cresser, of Darlington, winning in 1:37:30. IN second place was Brian Turnbull of Coldstream and third was Kevin Locke, of Dunbar. First woman was Lizelle Kemp in 1:59:43.

Organiser of the Lismore Kayak Challenge was Gus Brydon. He says: “The Lismore event had several aims: To raise awareness of sea kayaking; to give more opportunity to anyone interested in taking part in racing; and to raise money for the Oban Lifeboat Station (bringing the total over four years to £7000).

“The race on Saturday was free to enter and open to everyone and we were pleased to find that people have travelled from all over to attend. We will definitely be organising another one.

“We are keen to see more such events for sea kayaks in the west coast of Scotland.”

Keep an eye on Lismore Kayak Challenge for future events.

Thanks to Photography by Gillian for pics.