Alex Munro enlisted the club's chairman Iain Baikie and instructor Gavin Sutherland to help him learn how to Eskimo roll – a technique that will come in handy in the Speight's Coast to Coast which takes place in February next year.

The event will see him traverse the South Island of New Zealand from Kumara beach on the Tasman Sea to Summer beach on the Pacific Ocean. Competitors will be expected to cycle 140km, run 36km (including a mountain stage that crosses the Southern Alps) and kayak 67km of the grade two Waimakariri River through the Waimakariri Gorge in just one day. Alex (24), originally from Kinlochbervie but now living in Bonar Bridge, hopes to raise £10,000 for the Highland Hospice by taking part in one of the world's foremost multi-sports events. Despite the daunting scale of the challenge, he is looking forward to it.

"I know that this is a massive challenge, so I've been out training every morning for about three to four hours a day – cycling, running, just anything that will help take my fitness to the next level," Alex explained.

"It's always something that I have been interested in taking part in, so I thought, well if I am doing it anyway, I would like to raise money while I'm at it.

"It all costs money, of course, to get the proper equipment like a bike and a kayak, so I've been asking local companies who supply these goods to help me out with the cost."

Alex is also expected to receive help from experienced kayaker and author Brian Wilson, three-times winner of the Ben Nevis race David Rodgers, and former British fell-running champion Mark Crosdale.

During the kayaking session in Wick, Alex was given expert advice alongside members of the club who meet every Friday.

Alex Munro about to get his first experience of rolling a kayak with the help of Caithness Kayak Club's chairman and instructor Iain Baikie (second right), instructor Gavin Sutherland (second left), his son Joshua (left), a junior member of the club, and club member Cameron Gibson. Robert MacDonald 01955 602741

Alex said: "It was a long way to go for a couple of hours but it was worth the hassle. It was really helpful and they've invited me up again, so hopefully I'll make it up for the next three or four sessions."

Over the coming sessions he will learn a number of paddling techniques and self-rescue skills which will prepare him for his adventure in New Zealand.

Speaking to the Courier yesterday, Iain Baikie said he was delighted to help Alex out. "I don't think Alex has done much kayaking before but he's extremely fit," Iain said.

"Most athletes can learn quite quickly, but most use power instead of technique. Once you learn the technique, you don't need the power. The idea is that in a few sessions he will be able roll with the paddle."

Anyone who would like to get in touch with Alex about his challenge can e-mail him at munro03@hotmail.com Caithness Kayak Club is holding weekly sessions every Friday night at Wick Swimming Pool until April. For further information visit www.caithnesskayakclub.co.uk

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