A stand-up paddleboarder on a quest to achieve a world-first has successfully made his way around the Welsh coast in just 14 days. Travelling from Combe Martin on the North Devon coast to West Kirby in Wirral, Brendon Prince covered an impressive 538.5km.
Brendon, 48, originally set off from Torbay on April 27 to attempt a world first of circumnavigating mainland Britain on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). He would also be the first to paddle Land’s End to John o’Groats via the coast and would have completed the longest-ever SUP journey.
Crossing the Bristol channel, battling huge tidal flows and paddling through the Menai Straits meant that Wales threw up some challenging paddling for Brendon, but he remains positive.
“Wales has been phenomenal, I have loved every minute of paddling here even though there have been some hugely challenging conditions and coastline,” said the married father-of-three.
Since crossing into Wales on May 28, Brendon has been blessed with seeing some extraordinary sea life. He was welcomed into Wales by a pod of dolphins, saw a Basking Shark at the top of Cardigan Bay and had seals escort him over the River Dee and back into England.
It’s not only sea creatures who have welcomed him along the journey; Brendon – who was born in Wales – has received incredible support from the Welsh communities he passed through.
“The hospitality of the people of Wales has been awesome. From campsites letting us stay for free, to people offering driveways and other support, it was just amazing,” he said.
The crossing back into England was a testing one for Brendon but he made it into West Kirby beach at 10pm on June 9 with a strong tailwind bringing him across the River Dee.
The journey now continues with his eyes set on crossing the Scottish border and heading up towards John o’Groats.
“Making it back into England marks a huge point in my journey and I’m looking forward to continuing on further north,” said Brendon.
Main image credit: WRPhotography
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