SARAH THORNELY
Ready , set , go !
The Long Paddle 2021
Photos :
Will Reddaway
After months of meticulous planning , by the time this magazine drops through your letterbox or inbox , Brendon Prince will be on the ocean and well into his circumnavigation of Great Britain to raise money for his worthy charities and try to set a new Guinness World Record . The Long Paddle 2021 will have commenced !
I had the pleasure of interviewing Brendon and Jordan Wylie together a few days before the start of The Long Paddle 2021 – we thought it would be a great idea to bring these two giants of SUP adventure together . They have spoken many times over the last few months , and Jordan has been able to give Brendon some great intel to help him on his way . They are both very different paddlers ; Jordan was a relative newcomer to paddling but took on The Great British Paddle with great gusto , learning so much on his 149 days at sea . Brendon is a much more accomplished paddler with years of experience behind him but has appreciated Jordan ’ s input . These men have developed quite the bromance !
Brendon has invited Jordan to join him in Scotland to finish those last few kilometres into John O ’ Groats , something Jordan never got to do , having been pulled off The Great British Paddle due to Covid restrictions . I think that ’ s also an open invitation to paddlers from all over the country , so if you fancy a road trip , watch this space ! Wherever Brendon is paddling around Great Britain , he would love to see as many of you out with him as possible – it ’ s a real boost to have a local paddler next to you on your long journey .
BOARD AND HEADLINE SPONSOR NEWS
Brendon has a new board sponsor in SIC . The board he is going to use is their Bullet model – it ’ s been tried and tested recently , and clearly , Brendon is delighted with this choice of board . During the interview , Supjunkie got the exclusive news that the board ’ s name will be Scarlet ( as in Pimpernel ) – what a beautiful name , and we look forward to hearing the story of how she came by it . Many people name their beloved SUP boards , and Brendon now has Scarlet .
More importantly , Brendon has found a headline sponsor – Peuguot has come on board and provides two brand new vans for the team and many other benefits , which is incredibly important on a challenge like this .
Over the last few months , Brendon has been getting out on the ocean every day in all kinds of weather . There is no choosing a fine day when you know that the weather gods are going to throw all sorts at you . The paddling has probably been a slight relief from the logistics of the challenge , which have been neverending , but slowly , things have come together , and the team are ready to go ! Admin , photographer / videographer , driver – all giving up their time to support this exciting adventure .
Brendon ’ s wife Helen and three children absolutely understand the drive and need behind his paddle challenge – there have been some wonderful , short videos on The Long Paddle 2021 Facebook page
www . facebook . com / thelongpaddle2021 . com . Helen is fully behind Brendon ’ s vision and is breaking the challenge down to bite-sized pieces as “ it ’ s a really long way .”
The Charities close to Brendon ’ s heart support water safety , men ’ s health and faith – they are all worthy causes and if one or more resonates with you , pop Brendon a donation – it really will make a difference . I am sure there is nothing more encouraging whilst battling the elements than to see that pot grow .