The Global Paddling Community

Alone in his tiny kayak, Brian Wilson sets off on an 1800-mile odyssey around Scotland's grand cliffscapes, unspoiled shorelines, fearsome sea passages and Hebridean islands. He discovers a world of sea-level adventure, and in the process takes a good look at Scottish identity from a unique and fascinating perspective. Sometimes harrowing, frequently philosophical, often hilarious, this book will appeal to all lovers of the coast and its endlessly varied characters, wildlife and lore. Adventure is there aplenty as he battles with whirlpools, heavy seas and hypothermia, streaks naked in front of Lady Diana, and survives a close encounter with a killer whale.The narrative is brim-full of history and folklore, disasters at sea, haunted bothies and the exploits of Celtic Saints, Viking raiders and mermaids. It is inhabited by larger-than-life characters like Tex Geddes the shark hunter, Dr. Stan the cave-dweller, and a whole camp of homosexual gold panners. It is also a perceptive commentary on submarines, supertankers, and other issues threatening the Scottish coastline and its unique and fragile wildlife.

"Dances with Waves" has all the ingredients of a great adventure - danger, high drama, narrow escapes, bizarre encounters. On Brian Wilson's solo 1200-mile voyage around the coast of Ireland, his little kayak is lashed by the tail-wind of Hurricane Gusta, bombarded by the incontinent gannets of the Skelligs, and almost run down by a ghost galleon off Mizen Head. Sherkin Island pirates kidnap him for ransom, his boat is claimed as wreckage by the beachcombers of Connemara, and he receives an ecstatic welcome from Fungi, the Dingle Dolphin. Add to this diversions into sea-lore, local legend, music and history and you have a yarn that will entertain landlubbers and sailors alike.