From Novice to 38-Mile Paddler: My Journey with Paddle for a Purpose

A personal account by James Edwards, Director at Blue Squirrel Software

The Challenge

Last month, I completed what seemed impossible to me just a year ago - paddling the entire 38-mile stretch of the River Severn through Worcestershire in a single day. This feat was part of "Paddle for a Purpose," a fundraising initiative supporting Headway Worcestershire, a charity providing vital support to adults with brain injuries and their families.

Our team of eight - Steve Ennis, Bert Diamond, Adrian Sunter, Ryan Sneddon, Pete Rucinski, Gill Hutchinson, Oliver Lewis and myself - spent 11 hours on the water, battling persistent rain and strengthening winds to complete the journey. We navigated five locks, countless bends in the river, and the increasingly tired muscles that came with each mile.

But this story doesn't begin on the day of the challenge - it starts with a simple invitation that would ultimately change my perspective on both work-life balance and personal growth.

The Beginning

"Want to try kayaking?"

That seemingly innocent question from my friend Steve Ennis came about a year ago. At the time, I had no idea it would lead to me spending 11 hours paddling through rain and wind, navigating one of Britain's longest rivers.

Like many in the tech industry, my days were filled with screens, code, and client meetings. While I enjoyed cycling and volunteered at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, I wasn't actively seeking a new hobby. But something about being on the water appealed to me, so I agreed to give it a try.

That first session was both humbling and exhilarating. The initial wobbliness of the kayak, the unfamiliar resistance of water against the paddle, the completely different perspective of seeing familiar landscapes from the river - all of it combined to create an experience that was refreshingly disconnected from my digital day job.

The Proposal

Several months and couple more weekend paddles later, Steve proposed something ambitious: a charity challenge to kayak the entire length of the River Severn through Worcestershire, raising money for Headway Worcestershire.

The proposal came with some sobering numbers: 38 miles. Approximately 8-9 hours of continuous paddling. Multiple locks to navigate around. And a target of raising £10,000 as a team.

For someone who had only been kayaking for a few months, this was intimidating. But it also represented something I believe is vital in both personal and professional life: pushing beyond comfortable boundaries to achieve meaningful growth.

The Training

With the challenge set for Easter, our training began in earnest during the winter months. This meant early morning sessions in temperatures barely above freezing, with frost on the ground and ice-cold water splashing over the kayak.

Our training programme evolved systematically:

Initial 6-mile sessions to build basic stamina
10-mile weekend paddles to increase endurance
19-mile journey from Stratford-upon-Avon to Evesham, navigating 10 weirs and locks
24-mile paddle from Evesham to Tewkesbury - our longest pre-challenge training session

Each session taught valuable lessons:

The importance of proper fuelling and hydration
Techniques for conserving energy during long paddles
The mental resilience needed to continue when every muscle aches
The unexpected challenges river conditions can present

There were also mishaps along the way, including an unplanned swim in the River Arrow when my kayak capsized (RIP to a sausage sandwich), which served as a humbling reminder of the river's power.

I also invested in proper equipment, moving from borrowed gear to my own kayak, understanding that the right tools make a significant difference in performance - a principle that applies equally in technology and on the water.

The Physical Preparation

Recognising that kayaking for 8+ hours would require more than just weekend practice, I sought professional help from Clare Louise Freeman of Zigs Exercise. She developed a targeted training routine focusing on:

Core strength to maintain stability
Upper body endurance to sustain repeated paddling motions
Specific exercises to prevent injury in shoulders and back

This structured approach to physical preparation mirrors how we approach complex software projects at Blue Squirrel - with methodical planning, expert guidance, and consistent implementation.

The Day of the Challenge

Dawn broke on challenge day with less-than-ideal conditions - overcast skies and rain in the forecast. Our team assembled at Bewdley, kayaks ready, support team in place, and a mixture of nervousness and determination in the air.

Setting off at dawn, we established a sustainable pace, knowing we had a long day ahead. The first few hours passed relatively smoothly, with our training proving its worth as we navigated the initial stretch of river.

Highlights included:

The kind lock keepers who allowed us to go through rather than around all five locks, saving precious energy
Seeing family and friends at various points along the route, providing moral support
The teamwork that developed naturally as we faced challenges together
The endless banter that kept spirits high even when physical energy waned

As predicted, the weather deteriorated in the afternoon, with strengthening winds creating challenging conditions. Each paddle stroke became more difficult, muscles fatigued, and mental fortitude was tested.

But after 11 hours on the water, we completed the challenge - all eight paddlers finishing together, tired but triumphant.

Lessons from the River

This journey from novice to completing a 38-mile paddling challenge parallels many aspects of professional growth and development. As a technology professional, I found several transferable insights:

1. The importance of stepping outside comfort zones

Just as I had to overcome the initial discomfort of learning kayaking, innovation in technology often requires embracing unfamiliar territory.

2. Progressive, structured training

The methodical build-up from short paddles to longer journeys mirrors how we develop expertise in new technologies - starting with fundamentals and progressively tackling more complex challenges.

3. Community and mentorship

I couldn't have completed this journey without experienced paddlers sharing their knowledge. Similarly, professional growth thrives on knowledge sharing and mentorship.

4. Resilience through challenges

Every capsized kayak and difficult training day built resilience that proved essential during the challenge - just as navigating technical obstacles builds professional resilience.

5. The value of diverse experiences

The perspectives gained from the river - seeing familiar places from new angles - reinforces how diverse experiences enhance problem-solving capabilities.

Beyond the Challenge

While raising funds for Headway Worcestershire was the primary goal of this challenge, the experience offered something equally valuable: a reminder of the importance of finding meaningful pursuits outside our professional lives.

In the technology sector, where burnout is common and screens dominate our days, finding an escape that disconnects us from digital demands while connecting us with nature and different communities is invaluable for mental wellbeing.

This journey has also opened up a way to connect with my children. My eldest son has already been out on the water, and I look forward to helping him develop his skills and confidence - passing on not just a hobby, but a lifelong tool for wellbeing and perspective.

The Future

The paddles may be dry and the challenge complete, but this journey continues. What began as a one-off charity endeavour has evolved into a sustainable part of life's balance - a reminder that our most fulfilling achievements often come from unexpected beginnings.

At Blue Squirrel Software, we often help clients navigate digital transformation - changing how they work and think about technology. This personal transformation from tech professional to river paddler offers a parallel narrative: sometimes the most significant growth comes from embracing the unfamiliar.

Blue Squirrel Software is proud to support Headway Worcestershire through this challenge. If you'd like to contribute to this cause, donations can still be made at headwayworcestershire.org.uk.

For more information about Headway Worcestershire and their work supporting adults with brain injuries and their families, visit their website.