Kokatat heads out on The Lap around Ireland for Parkinson’s disease research

June 14, 2023

ARCATA, CA (June 14, 2023) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – 25 years ago Charles Daly’s mother signed him up for an after-school kayak class. As a kid, Daly couldn’t stay in his seat and the kayak was the one place he found focus. Four years ago, Daly’s mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and as a way to thank her for introducing him to paddling, he is paddling around Ireland to raise funds for Parkinson’s research. Daly is scheduled to embark on his adventure on June 15.

“Paddling around Ireland is a challenging endeavor, let alone doing so unsupported,” said Lisa Kincaid, Kokatat’s Promotional Marketing Manager. “For Charles to take on this adventure as a tribute to his mother is so inspiring.”

Photo: Angus Macdonald @ajm_media_uk

Known as The Lap, the 1,500km route around Ireland travels through some of the roughest waters in the North Atlantic. Fewer than 100 people have completed the route, with only about 30 doing so solo.

Kokatat has provided Daly with a full kit of gear to keep him dry and safe during his journey including Whirlpool bibs, an Ōm Dry top, Storm Cag, GORE-TEX Pullover jacket, and a Neptune life vest.

“Kayaking has brought so much joy to my life and I can’t thank my mom enough for getting me into the sport,” said Daly. “The challenge of paddling around Ireland seems so insignificant when compared to the challenges she’s facing with Parkinson’s and I’m so excited to be able to do this for her and better yet with her.”

Daly, a travel and copy writer, plans to depart on June 16 and anticipates completing the trip in about six weeks. He has been documenting his training on his site The Lap. He will post daily updates and photos to the site through out the trip. His mother will be following his progress around Ireland and plans to join him in a tandem kayak with a guide for a half day.

Daly and his mother

Daly is raising funds for Parkinson’s disease research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation. To date he has raised over $8,000 with a goal of $20,000. To learn more about the expedition and support Daly’s fundraising efforts visit https://give.michaeljfox.org/fundraiser/4227888.

Last year Daly raised over $2,000 for The Bantry Lifeboat in an attempt to paddle 100km in 24 hours.

About Kokatat Inc.

Kokatat has been manufacturing paddling gear in Arcata, California for over 50 years. At a time when many technical apparel brands were moving manufacturing offshore, Kokatat continued to invest in infrastructure in the United States. Kokatat founder Steve O’Meara was committed to the development of the finest and driest paddling apparel in the world and recognized the need to control and continually evolve the development of our dry wear. In the early days, Kokatat worked closely with W.L. Gore & Associates, makers of GORE-TEX®, to refine the sewing and sealing techniques required for full immersion suits and tops. Today, our hands-on approach to manufacturing continues to set the standard in paddling apparel. Into the water with Kokatat! Learn more at kokatat.com.

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