By Sarah Thornely
SUPJunkie
Photos:
Will Reddaway
www.thelongpaddle2021.com
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thelongpaddle2021.com
Instagram: @thelongpaddle2021
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www.abovewater.org
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aboveanywater.com
Instagram: @aboveanywater
Twitter: @aboveanywater
Princely (adjective) – ‘very grand’
Born in South Wales, Brendon spent many hours in the local waters as a child – after obtaining his degree from Exeter University, he moved to the south west to teach at a boys’ grammar school and remained there for 25 years. As the Head of Outdoor Education, a lot of his teaching was water-based, with skills and safety in the water taught to thousands of young men.
Brendon is no stranger to adventure and perseverance, having travelled the world testing survival clothing in freezing waters in Iceland, ice climbing in the Alps, Himalayas and Rockies and kayaking on the massive Indus River. He’s also raised thousands of pounds by swimming, running, SUPing, kayaking and MTB in some pretty unique events.
As a SLSGB surf lifeguard, Brendon’s life was changed when as an off-duty lifeguard, he tried to rescue but unfortunately lost three souls on the north Cornish coast. This had such an impact on him that he decided to dedicate his life to teaching water safety education to all children and, perhaps more importantly, teachers of those children.
Brendon then set up the charity ‘Above Water’, which teaches water safety and drowning prevention theory, trains teachers, beach-based practicals, lifesaving, the mental health benefits of swimming and water sports, whilst being mindful of the charity’s impact on the planet. So far, they have reached over 100,000 children with their teachings.
Brendon has been stand up paddleboarding since 2008, and whilst loving SUP surfing and racing, he is also pushing the boundaries of distance paddling. He has a wealth of ocean experience and believes this adventure will push his physical and mental limits to their boundaries.
THE LONG PADDLE 2021 has been launched to raise money and awareness for charities close to Brendon’s heart; Above Water, SAS, RNLI, Surf Life Saving GB, The Wave Project, Christian Surfers UK and Andy’s Man Club. 50% of all monies raised will also set up a free online interactive tutorial for schools, children and parents on water safety and drowning prevention.
Brendon has had this idea for a few years now and is hoping to set off in the third week of April, weather permitting – the plan is to circumnavigate Britain’s coastline, some 3,500 km of open ocean, something that he is incredibly familiar with.
He will start and finish in Torbay and travel in a clockwise direction. Many figures are flying around about ‘how long’. Brendon has a plan for under 90 days and hopes to smash some world records along the way. The trip is dependent on the support of the land crew and sponsorship. All admin, cooking and sleeping will be conducted from the vehicle.
For now, we wish Brendon every success at the start of his trip. Please do get in touch with him via the website if you can offer any sponsorship for a particular kit, land crew support, donations, or to be a friendly, knowledgeable local who can give tips and paddling companionship along the way. Watch this space for further reports…
