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On 25 July 2010 sportessex and EssexOutdoors hosted The Amphibian Playground Kayaking and Cross Country challenge  at Walton-on-the-Naze as part of London 2012 Open Weekend.

The Amphibian playground challenge comprises of two separate races, 'The Naze Channel Challenge' which has been designed for participants with no previous paddling experience and the 'Horsey Island Circumnavigation' which has been designed for participants who have basic paddling experience and desire the adventure of the open sea!

Both races were for teams of two who were provided with a double sit-on-top kayaks, paddles, buoyancy aids and safety equipment / cover.

Participants were required to be able to run at least 3km cross country, swim at least 20 meters and feel confident on open water.

The Headland trail challenge started with 1.5km off-road run across the beautiful Naze headland and beach, with a few obstacles thrown in for added fun!

The Naze Channel challenge started with a cross country run over the sea wall, towards a huge playground of double sit-on-top kayaks.

Once re-hydrated and kitted up with buoyancy aids, paddles and a double sit-on-top kayak, teammates hauled their kayak to the launch site where they worked as a team to navigate along Cormorant Creek and down to the bottom of Walton Channel.

The next section of the playground involved a race across the 1km dirt track to the Naze tower finish line.

Comments from participants included:

"The scenery is amazing with views for miles of coastline, we started at the cliff edge with a safety briefing and tips on how to canoe which was helpful! Then race down to the beach and launch off into the water. Great atmosphere and banter between competitors. We also managed to see a few seals! Great day out, hard work then a relaxing BBQ to refuel!"
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"Hard work, great fun, great challenge. Seal watching on the way round."

"Great day, great organization, great staff, great atmosphere. Will be there with many more friends next year"

"We really enjoyed it! A good challenge! Thanks for organising it!"

"The excitement of a new physical challenge, had never done cross country running before. Felt very proud to be taking part as well as aquiring a new team mate last minute who was fantastic. Im glad that i have acheived something and raised money for 2 local charities in the process. Will definately be doing it again next year."


"Once again an amazing, fun day out. Very well organised. Had a great time, definitely competing in the longer race next year. Thanks everyone for making this an enjoyable event again :)"

For more information visit: www.amphibianplayground.co.uk/