Jim started paddling in any old kayak he could muster during the school holidays. He has since paddled (and swum) many of the exciting white water rivers of England, Scotland and Wales, as well as many of those in the French Alps. A passion for sea kayaking combined with an interest in writing and photography, brought about the first comprehensive Guidebook to the Welsh coast, for sea kayakers. His first publication (Welsh Sea Kayaking co-authored by Andy Biggs) is a great success and is now in its second edition. Jim lives in Manchester and is a prominent member of North West Sea Kayakers. He regularly organises meets and sea trips. So a sea kayakers’ guide to northern England was the obvious choice for an encore. Jim is also a passionate mountaineer, which in turn has led to his current employment at the offices of the British Mountaineering Council.

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 freelance photographer and has in the past enjoyed teaching students. Recently he has returned to his previous passion of sailing.