In 2012 a three man team (Iain Picot, Zoltan Zsilinszky and Peter Picot) completed what was believed to be the first ever circumnavigation of Jersey using Coasteering techniques. That journey took 29 hours over 2 days and the distance covered was well in excess of the accepted chart of 43 coastline miles.
Coasteering (otherwise known as Coastal Traversing) involves taking a journey through coastal areas using rock scrambling/climbing, swimming and walking. It’s about searching for the safest, easiest and quickest route while staying as close to sea level as possible. For Iain, Zoltan and Peter, it wasn’t about finding high cliff jumps or searching for an adrenaline rush, but personal endurance while enjoying and respecting the natural environment.
Nine years on from that challenge Peter decided to try again but this time he went solo. After consultation with the National Trust and Birds on the Edge project regarding the Seabird Protection Zone, Peter could not be complete his challenge until August so not to disrupt nesting Puffins.
Aged 65, he completed the challenge in 27 hours, covering 58 miles over 5 days. Safety and support was provided by a team of three kayakers on rotation.
By doing this challenge Peter is promoting his belief in the benefits of exercise and getting outside in the natural environment, and how this can dramatically improve our mental health.
The issue of mental health has been brought into the spotlight as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic and Peter raised £1500 for Mind Jersey through completing this challenge.
