How it all began.

A keen kayaker, Dorian Vassallo initiated a sea kayak endurance challenge – crossing the Malta Channel as a way of generating funds for charity, this came to be known as “Kayak for Cancer”. The first event held in 2008, consisted of 7 kayaks paddling from Marsalforn to Pozzallo. A first of its kind, it can be considered a success in that more than €30000 was donated to the Malta Cancer Foundation.

Kayak for Cancer 2010

Fast forward and several events later brings us to the challenge that will be taking place in July of this year  - paddling from Mahdia in Tunisia to Golden Bay in Malta via the islands of Lampedusa and Linosa.   This event, held under the Distinguished Patronage of His Excellency Dr George Abela, President of Malta, aims to raise awareness and funds for Puttinu Cares, the Children’s Cancer Support Group.

Details of the event

The distance to be covered is more or less 175 nautical miles or 324 kilometres with two long passages that involve 24 hours of paddling each one - Mahdia to Lampedusa and Linosa to Malta.  The distance between Lampedusa and Linosa is 25 miles and should take between 6 to 8 hours. It is anticipated that other than the Maltese team composed of Albert Gambina and Dorian Vassallo, a team each from Tunisia and Italy will be taking part.  Logistical support will consist of the support boats led by Capt Joe Brincat in "Tallulah" and include Ivan Grech Mintoff skippering "Katy Jane", Alfred Vassallo in "Destrier" and Edmond Cachia in "Nicesca".

Departure from Malta is planned for the 15th July with the kayaks loaded onto the support vessels. Weather permitting we plan to leave from Mahdia on the 17th July, timed to coincide with the "Fete de la Mer", the festival of the sea being held in Mahdia between the 17 and 22 July.  Including the stops in Lampedusa and Linosa and with the goodwill of Zeus, Poseidon and the Anemoi, our arrival at Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa - Golden Bay will take place around the 22nd July.

Dorian and Albert have undertaken a challenge that takes place not only on the water. They are also responsible - with the help of others – for its organisation. As can be imagined, an event of this type requires detailed and meticulous planning especially in view that the paddlers will be passing through two other countries. The assistance of the Maltese Ambassador in Tunisia, Dr Vicki Ann Cremona was essential in making contact with the Tunisian authorities and the Tunisian Canoe-Kayak Federation. The Ambassadors of Tunisia and Italy have also shown their support for this initiative.

Support was also given by Malta Sports Council (KMS), Malta Canoe Federation, Transport Malta, Luqa Meteorological Office, Armed Forces of Malta and the Tunisian Ministry of Youth and Sports.

How to donate

Donations can be made by sending a cheque made payable to "Puttinu Cares Foundation" and posted to Kayak for Cancer, Puttinu Cares Foundation, c/o MaltaPost p.l.c. 305 Triq Hal-Qormi, Marsa MTP 1001, Malta.

The Malta Canoe Federation recently established ties with the Catanian kayak club; Circolo Canoa Catania during a one day visit to the club. Whilst in Sicily, members of the MCF met with Club Manager Fabrizio Messina and Daniele Insabella who is the National Conseiller for FICK in Sicily and discussions were held to bring local athletes to train with the Catanian club as well as compete in some of the regional competitions.

Circolo Canoe Catania allows athletes to train in numerous disciplines including flatwater racing, sea kayaking, dragon boat racing and canoe polo. The club’s dragon boat team recently placed first in the Italian National Championships and the MCF committee was given the opportunity to join in on a training session- a first for local canoeists! The club boasts numerous sea kayakers due to its great location and would be a great location for Maltese sea kayakers to practice the sport.

Members of the women’s Italian Canoe Polo team also train at the club under the strict supervision of world class coach and athlete Sandra Catania. Canoe polo is still in its infancy stage here in Malta and requires good coaching in order to bring local players up to a competitive level. The MCF proposed to bring Sandra to Malta for two day training sessions with local athletes as well as providing the contingent with the opportunity to train with her players at Circolo Canoa Catania.

Flatwater training takes places in the Catania harbour with technical sessions being held in a small river just off the harbour. This provides athletes with multiple space to practice sprints and would therefore be excellent training grounds for Maltese athletes. The local flatwater team is aiming to participate in some of the clubs races as well as other regional races this summer.

The Malta Canoe Federation would like to thank Fabrizo Messina, Daniele Insabella, Sandra Catania and all the members at the Circolo Canoa Catania for their warm reception and enthusiasm towards building a strong relationship in kayak sport.

The Malta Sea Kayak Club (aka SeaKats) organised a four-day event with the objective of improving skills and techniques.  Held at Saint George's Bay in Birzebbugia, between the 2nd and 6th April, two Italian instructors from Sottocosta, Tatiana Cappucci and Mauro Ferro, were invited to conduct the course.

Although the water was somewhat cold, all participants, - Damian Schembri, Francis Debono, Joe Borg, Albert Gambina and Dorian Vassallo - immersed themselves in the subject matter - literally! The various techniques of bracing and rolling were mastered but not without the perseverance and patience shown by Tatiana and Mauro. To round off a very successful and enjoyable Easter break, on the last day we paddled together to the Blue Grotto and Wied iz-Zurrieq where we were able to enjoy the sights as well as the warm sunny weather.

Finally a word of thanks to Mark and Stephen Bugeja of Alfresco Restaurant, who not only stored our kayaks and gear but also provided us with sustenance.