INTREPID canoeists Dave Welton and Simon Thomas are heading for Ireland - using paddle-power alone!
Weather permitting the two will leave Whitesands, near St Davids, this week and they aim to be in the ferry port of Rosslare in less than 13 hours.
Their non-stop paddle will cover at least 50 nautical miles and they plan to raise cash for charity in the process.
Simon, a schoolteacher in Hakin, and Dave, a senior ranger with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on secondment from the Countryside Council for Wales are experienced canoeists. They will be paddling a 23-foot sea kayak, named 'Jura'.
Said Dave, who lives in Amroth: "Our prime objective is to do the crossing to Ireland, but we also intend to raise money for Cancer Research. We are very grateful to Stenaline at Fishguard for their support."
The intrepid pair were expecting to leave Whitesands during the very early hours of yesterday (Thursday), but if not they will be setting of either today (Friday) or tomorrow (Saturday).
"It all depends on the weather," added Dave. "By leaving very early we will take full advantage of the neap tides."
Dave and Simon are keen to hear from anyone willing to sponsor their paddle. They can be contacted on (01834) 810005.