14/05/2026
It was great that Urban Heupgen could join us at the symposium, his trip so far has been amazing and he's now on his way north heading to Stornoway.
Hopefully you got a chance to chat with him as I did-if not, I've put together a wee bit from our chats
-"Last year’s paddling season was full of moments I’ll never forget — from the intense arrival on Ikaria after a brutal crossing, to the day I almost drowned on the west coast of France. The sea has a way of giving you everything and taking everything back.
I waited out weather more than I fought it. I trusted old gear more than shiny upgrades. I learned to paddle better, breathe deeper, and stay patient. Some days were pure challenge — like the tide races in northern France or the long, wild stretch of Ireland’s west coast. Other days were simple: find a camp spot, drag up the kayak, cook, sleep.
But the best moments? Far offshore, no land in sight, calm water, nothing to do but exist. That’s where I feel most alive.
This year brings the big crossings — maybe even Iceland, who knows! A thought I never imagined when I first set out overloaded and overexcited in Estonia a few years back"
Follow Urban's exploits on Instagram kayak.noatun and you can read an interview in issue 87 of The Paddler Magazine.
