Ignore the Fear: One woman's paddleboarding adventure, 800 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats with a fear of the sea

by Fiona Quinn, Sean Conway (Foreword)

No one had ever attempted it before. Yet as a complete beginner, and a terrified one at that, in April 2018 Fiona set out to see if she could stand up paddleboard up the west coast of Britain, 800 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG).

Having walked and cycled LEJOG the year before, something inexplicably compelled her to see if she could turn her previous adventures into a length of Britain triathlon and set three new world records. Along the way Fiona was joined by dolphins, paddled 40 miles across the Irish Sea, and battled past whirlpools. This inspiring and gripping account shows that no matter what the odds, if you dare to start before you’re ready, anything is possible.

"Fiona’s stand up paddleboard adventure certainly tested her to the limits. Having had a bad experience in water when she was a child, and then to put herself in a situation that pushes on that fear, week after week, is no mean feat. Along the way she lost sight of shore to paddle across the Irish Sea, becoming the first woman to do so. Through all of the challenges she faced, it was her belief in herself and those around her that enabled her to keep moving forwards." - Sean Conway

Fiona Quinn is a keynote speaker, endurance adventurer and entrepreneur. Sharing stories with everyone from school children to business executives, she enthusiastically invites you to change your view of what’s possible.

Genres: Adventure, Unfinished, Nonfiction

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2019

Reviews

[Jen Surname · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve officially given up. I don’t do that, I persevere even if I’m not enjoying a book, but I read precisely a third before I finally admitted defeat. I can’t read another page of this drivel.

I can’t speak for the print version, but the Kindle edition is littered with spelling and grammatical errors that any half decent author would pick up on, never mind an editor.

I found myself increasingly frustrated as the book trudged on with the writing style and with the story itself. I don’t find it inspirational in any way shape or form, I’m not lauding the achievement or the perseverance or whatever else I’m supposed to be doing, I actually found myself taken aback by the blasé attitude towards risk and the recklessness of much of the “preparation”. It was foolhardy. She was very lucky. Such inexperience could very easily have turned out deadly and I’m not here to support such naive, ill-considered and foolhardy endeavours.

And the book is just bloody awful.

[Madeline · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't finish it. There was no inspirational or deep meaning behind the paddleboarding. It just feels like a long humble brag. She says she didn't do it just for the achievement but then literally says she hoped someone would notice her on her preparation and ask what she was doing so she could tell them. I tried to read it but as it was not very exciting and not very meaningful and she seemed a bit presumptuous, I had no reason to care anymore.

[Ruth Millward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 4 stars. I loved this book as it made me want to get off my backside and live! Such an achievement with little knowledge of SUP, boats and the sea etc. but also a bit foolhardy - it beggars belief the boat left her on her own paddling near the world's 3rd most dangerous whirlpool!
That aside, I mostly loved just following the route, constantly googling place names and islands along the way and I now have a list of new places I need to visit. Well done Fiona x

[Sio · Rating 1 out of 5]

After purchasing a new SUP I was looking for some inspirational reading reading my new hobby and I did NOT find it in this. I was hoping for some more information on SUPing or some guidance on technique however I found it to be more rambling about the boat and the captains and anything but actually SUPing.

[Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a review solely based on the book, it’s by no means a reflection of the accomplishments of all of those involved in the challenge…

It took me longer to force myself to finish this book than it did for her to complete her paddle board mission.
I just didn’t enjoy it at all, I didn’t warm to her one bit and actually found her tone to be quite nasty at times towards Liam. In my opinion he didn’t seem to get enough recognition for his dedication to her, she absolutely would not have been able to do this without him and he just seemed to be belittled by her at times and I ended up feeling sorry for him. I hope in real life she was nicer to him.

As others have pointed out there were some real safety concerns throughout and the crews inexperience was frightening.

There were many slight errors with spelling or grammar which made the book seem sloppy.

I wouldn’t recommend this book. I should have ditched it after the first few pages which I think were actually the best of the whole book.

[Andy Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adventure and a really inspirational read. SUP is a such a fun sport and I absolutely love it but unlike Fiona I love being on the sea. To take on this journey with such a fear of the sea seems totally bonkers but I guess that’s the point - it’s pushing the boundaries all the way. Reading this book just emphasises the importance of making the most of life and Fiona’s ideas of mini adventures has huge appeal. I tend to overthink and over plan, I need to go more with my heart and take a leap of faith into new adventures & experiences. I’m retired now & whilst health is on my side bring it on - thank you Fiona,

[Bernie Critchley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and learning about Fiona’s journey, which I found inspirational. I liked her attitude and how she just gets out there and gives things a go! It’s made me want to undertake a challenge of my own. However, she also did a good job of highlighting the hard work that went into her adventure as well as the mundane moments that it involved.

For quite a long time I was going to give it five stars, but I decide that 4/4.5 is probably a fairer score as I felt it lost a little bit of steam towards the end. Overall, I think it’s a really good read especially for anyone who paddleboards.

[Tom Bennett · Rating 2 out of 5]

A jolly read that trips along easily enough. But an infuriating book. The naivety and blasé approach to paddling in dangerous waters leaves me actually quite angry.
This is a chronicle of dumb luck somehow beating a complete lack of planning and preparation, and a consistent lack of anticipation.
This may appeal to people who live far from the water but I can’t see how anyone with even the slightest understanding of water safety could read this book and not despair at the stupidity of so many situations and decisions.

[Paul Harman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book and account of this lady’s adventures, not only an amazing achievement in itself, but to do it and overcome a fear of open water is doubly amazing.
I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of Fionas adventures; what an inspirational woman and an example of what can be achieved if we ignore the fear.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite my initial reaction really enjoyed this book.
It was a crazy adventure.800 miles up the coast of Britain. But she was determined and learned a lot."adventure is about discovering the world and ourselves " I live this quote. So rrue.i highly recommend this test. I listened on audible. She talks fast so I had her on .75 speed.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Fiona’s journey on the sea. What an epic adventure! That takes such courage and resilience to attempt something like this with such little experience. I really enjoyed reading the other viewpoints of the crew members as well.

[Claire Milne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Enjoyable

Sometimes books of this genre can lack something but this book certainly didn't. I felt at all times I wanted to keep reading, I felt I was there in the surroundings and I know feel I want to plan my own small adventure.

[Tommy Commane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended for anyone who has ever considered doing an adventure, just go for it.

[Beccy Kinnear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing read, written by a lass with real determination.

[marion jennette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

A really interesting enjoyable read, amazing how brave Fiona was to just get out there and take the challenge! I couldn't put the book down, loved it.

[Danielle Hutchins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting read. A different viewpoint of the lovely UK coastline. Editing of book is a little questionable but doesn't take away the essence of a fantastic read.

[Paula Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational read and can totally identify with her fears but smashed it. It has actually inspired me to do a mini challenge myself

[Alan Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review (AW)

New to paddleboarding myself, this has been a very inspiring read.
Fiona is a courageous human.
Great book, fully recommended. Amazing journey.

[Ann Hollingworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona described her adventure really wonderfully. Well done Fiona! You are an inspiration, may you have many more adventures in the future.

[Mark Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great adventure and an easy read . Just goes to show what you can do .

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always drawn to books set at sea and I really enjoyed this adventure. I felt like it was particularly encouraging just to give things a go in life

[Emily Mackinnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

She doth complain. But thats the point. And I am pretty similar lets be honest