Foil Drive Podcast | Ep 15 | Foil Around Britain

In the world of water sports, innovation and adventure often go hand in hand. This is exactly what Steve Bowens and Simon Osborne set out to prove with their incredible journey around Great Britain on wing foils. Their expedition, aptly named **Foil Around Britain** (FAB), is an ambitious attempt to become the first individuals to wing foil around the island nation. This isn’t just about adventure though—Steve and Simon are raising money for **Cancer Research**, blending sport, personal challenge, and philanthropy into a single inspiring project.

 The Inspiration Behind FAB

It all began when Simon and Steve, both avid wing foilers, realised the sport’s potential to cover vast distances. After completing a demanding crossing from the Isles of Scilly to Land’s End—a 22-nautical-mile challenge—they set their sights on something bigger. Inspired by previous endurance expeditions, including Simon’s 2002 kayak journey around the UK, the duo decided to take on the full perimeter of Britain on their wing foils. However, the idea came to life in a somewhat unconventional way—a post-adventure beer session in Cornwall! The challenge, initially dismissed as "a really stupid idea," eventually transformed into an inspiring reality.

The Challenge of Circumnavigating Britain

Foiling around Britain is no simple feat. The route covers over 3,500 miles, and the duo gave themselves a six-week window to complete the challenge. Navigating Britain’s coastlines presents unique difficulties: tricky headlands, shifting tides, and unpredictable wind conditions. As Steve and Simon quickly learned, coastal tides have a huge impact on their ability to foil, and the journey has required them to constantly adapt to changing conditions.

One of the most significant early challenges came after they had completed the notoriously difficult passage around Land’s End. Wind conditions forced the pair to rethink their strategy—an anti-clockwise route around Britain became the better option. This flexibility, paired with their background in water sports and their experience with the ocean’s unpredictability, has been key to their success so far.

The Role of Foil Drive in the Expedition

A vital part of the duo's setup is their use of **Foil Drive**, an electric assist system that has proven indispensable throughout the trip. Originally intended as a safety backup, Foil Drive has played a far greater role than either Steve or Simon anticipated. It has allowed them to make significant progress even in light winds and navigate safely in and out of challenging coastal areas. "We couldn't do what we're doing without it," Steve admitted, emphasising the confidence it provides them in tough situations.

The ability to cover extra distance, safely return to shore, and tackle estuaries with offshore winds has made Foil Drive a game-changer in this expedition. It has allowed the pair to focus on the adventure without compromising safety, highlighting just how vital it has become for their progress.

The Highs and Lows of the Journey

As with any expedition of this scale, Steve and Simon have encountered their fair share of highlights and challenges. One of the standout moments for Simon was wing foiling around Beachy Head, with its iconic white cliffs and red-and-white lighthouse standing tall in the background. "It felt pretty wild and cool," he recalled, describing the dramatic landscape lit by stormy skies and squally conditions.

For Steve, a particular highlight was rounding Portland Bill, a notorious headland with rough tides. With no safety boat and 50 kilometres of exposed water, it was a true test of their skills and resilience. But beyond these milestone moments, both Steve and Simon have been struck by the kindness of strangers they've met along the way. From people offering accommodation to impromptu gear repairs, the support they've received has been a heartwarming reminder of the generosity that exists in communities across Britain.

Safety and Logistics

Safety is a primary concern during any expedition of this nature, and Steve and Simon have been meticulous in their planning. They rely on **BB Talkin’**, a Bluetooth communication system, to stay in constant contact with each other while out on the water. They also carry a range of safety equipment, including VHF radios, personal locator beacons (PLBs), and flares, to ensure they can react quickly in case of emergencies. Regular communication with the Coast Guard adds an extra layer of precaution, with detailed daily briefings on their plans and progress.

Despite their extensive preparations, unexpected challenges still arise. For example, the duo discovered they were venturing into active military firing zones, complete with low-flying aircraft. After a few close calls, they've become adept at checking in with control centres before entering these areas, ensuring they're clear to pass through safely.

Looking Ahead

As of the latest update, Steve and Simon are about halfway through their journey. They’ve completed over 1,200 kilometres and are currently making their way up the east coast, with Scotland firmly in their sights. With a combination of determination, support from Foil Drive, and a keen focus on safety, the pair continues to tackle each day as it comes. Though the winds, tides, and coastline present new challenges daily, the duo remains undeterred, eyeing their final goal while raising vital funds for Cancer Research along the way.

Follow the Journey

To keep up with Steve and Simon’s incredible expedition, be sure to follow their progress on Instagram and other social media channels. If you're inspired by their story, consider donating to their **Cancer Research** fundraiser—every contribution makes a difference. You can also track their journey in real-time via their website, where they provide updates on their location, progress, and challenges.

As Steve and Simon continue to break new ground in the world of wing foiling, their journey is a testament to human endurance, passion for adventure, and the power of community.