Jim Krawiecki

Jim's involvement in the outdoors and in particular the Welsh coastline started on family holidays spent at the unique Polish ex-servicemen’s home near Pwllheli. Beachcombing, investigating the sea life in rock pools and walks along the dramatic headlands of the Lleyn developed an interest in the outdoors. An introduction to canoes and kayaks at school led Jim to join a local canoe club in the mid 1990s, predominately a white-water club, as members suggested that sea kayaking was both dangerous and boring! Undeterred, and finding better-informed company through North West Sea Kayakers, a passion for the sea was rekindled and encouraged. In return Jim is now a prominent member of that group and regularly organizes meets and sea trips. Sea kayaking in Scotland, Brittany, the Greek Isles, Norway, Iceland and Greenland as well as numerous excursions to Wales have prompted him to share his enthusiasm for sea touring by putting pen to paper and hopefully opening up opportunities for others to enjoy the delights of North Wales. Jim is also a passionate mountaineer, which in turn led to his current employment at the offices of the British Mountaineering Council.

Andy Biggs

Andy has always had a strong affinity with the sea. Those who have paddled with him com­ment on, and benefit from, his understanding and analysis of tidal movements and anomalies, often ensuring the most efficient and enjoyable trips with the tide and wind being allies rather than obstacles. Fascinated by the journeying nature of sea kayaking, Andy has completed many memorable trips around the UK, including trips in Ireland, Scotland and extensively in Wales. He has circumnavigated the islands of Skye and Mull and recently paddled multi-day trips in Alaska and New Zealand. Andy loves remote places and has completed many challenging trips, either as a solo traveller or with his long-suffering college friend, Simon. These adventures have included trekking in the Himalayas, alpine climbing, cycling across Iceland and also crossing Eastern Europe soon after the collapse of the Eastern Bloc. Andy has been a free-lance photographer and has in the past enjoyed teaching students. Recently he has returned to his previous passion of sailing.