A OUTDOOR pursuits course manager at Duchy College, Stoke Climsland is hoping to become only the fourth woman to complete a circumnavigation of mainland Britain in a sea kayak. Cath Tanner, 36, and fellow sea kayaking (paddling) instructor Rowland Woollven, 54, plan to set off from Ilfracombe in mid April on their five month expedition which will fulfill a life-long dream. Although Rowland, who has spent the last three years being responsible for all outdoor activity training carried out by the British Forces, has extensive expedition experience, this is the first expedition for Cath, who is surprisingly unphased by the 2,500 mile challenge. 'As far as I am concerned I am just going paddling every day,' she said. 'I think when I finish work next week it will probably hit me.' The pair met through sea kayaking symposiums and have nearly 60 years of kayaking experience between them. Rowland will be the oldest paddler to complete the circumnavigation and both will celebrate birthdays during the journey. Cath, who is the course manager in adventurous activity leadership, has been granted a sabbatical by her employers for the duration of the expedition but says she is not trying to beat any records. 'The fastest time was 80 days but Rowland and I think it will take us approximately five months,' she said. 'We both love sea paddling and we want to see the coast of Britain. We want to enjoy paddling and above all be friends at the end.' Her first reaction when Rowland invited her to join him on the trip was that she was not good enough: 'He kept saying yes you are and I eventually thought well maybe I can do it. What I am most looking forward to is getting up every day and my only decision being whether or not I go paddling today. To be able to do something I enjoy so much day after day will be amazing.' Cath and Rowland, have been sponsored by various companies including Seakayaking UK, Greenland and Werner Paddles and specialist clothing manufacturers Kokatat and Mardale. Updates on their progress will be available on the website: http://www.rwoollven.co.uk">www.rwoollven.co.uk.