Kayakers mark milestone with coastal paddle
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In 1972, the whole stretch was a big unknown, with previous paddling being in the Aberdeen area or the Summer Isles.
The group only had three boats to use and the trip involved four senior Wick High pupils and club founding member, Bill Bruce. Over two days, they paddled in pairs Helmsdale to Berriedale and Berriedale to Latheronwheel.
Two of these boats are still in the club and two of the original paddlers who took part are now well-known local businessmen.
To celebrate the milestone, Caithness Kayak Club organised a group paddle from Dunbeath to Latheronwheel and on to Lybster. The 14 paddlers included six junior members, who put their summer training schedule in Sinclairs Bay to good use.
David Sutherland, of the local triathlon club, a teenager in 1972 and one of the original paddlers, joined the group, proving that once learned, you do not lose your paddle skills, even after a long gap.
At Lybster, other club members joined the celebrations and children and parents enjoyed trips around the cliffs and skerries and visit to the immense Cathedral cave on a sunny afternoon in both single and double kayaks.
