Sponsored round-Britain paddleboard attempt ends in success!

As a vehicle for positive change, we regularly support charities and get actively involved in causes we feel align closely with our goals.

One that caught our eye this summer was The Long Paddle – an attempt by former South Devon school teacher Brendon Prince to circumnavigate mainland Britain on a SUP (Stand-Up Paddle Board). Its aim: to raise awareness of water safety, men’s health and our marine environment.

As Brendon also happened to teach at the former school of Krystal CEO and founder Simon Blackler, we knew it was just the right sort of adventure for us to get behind.

This week, we’re thrilled to say that Brendon has reached the end of his epic adventure, crossing the finish line as the very first person to circumnavigate mainland Britain on a SUP. Not only that, but he set multiple world records in the process!

A world-record adventure

Brendon has achieved an incredible three world records: circumnavigating the whole of mainland Britain, fastest paddle on a SUP from Lands End to John O' Groats, and the world's longest SUP journey!

It’s an incredible achievement for an excellent cause.

Since setting off from Torbay almost 5 months ago, Brendon has battled huge headwinds and massive tidal flows, tackled 10-foot swells and endured exhausting 12-hour paddle sessions in tough conditions. He’s paddled through the Menai Strait and across the Bristol Channel, come face to face with a Basking Shark at the top of Cardigan Bay, rounded the Highlands of Scotland and powered his way across the Solent and along the Jurassic Coast.

You can see the route Brendon took on his adventure by checking out the tracking map on the Long Paddle website.

Standing up for a worthy cause

As well as raising awareness of water safety, Brendon is promoting the benefits of physical activity & friendship on the water for men’s health, and encouraging mindfulness of the impact we have on our oceans.

As Brendon says, “As an island nation I believe we should be doing so much more to teach water safety to all. It is imperative that people know the risks to then enjoy all that the ocean and our inland waterways have to offer.”

Krystal and Katapult stood up to be counted among those supporting Brendon on his mission to promote water safety, health and ecological awareness. We sponsored the East and South East England regions of his incredible (and long!) journey.

Our sponsorship, alongside that of Brendon’s other generous sponsors, is helping him create what he hopes will be The Long Paddle’s legacy – the world's first gamified, interactive water safety app. Featuring essential water safety and drowning prevention information for both coastal and inland waterways, it will help both children and adults learn more about how to keep safe in the water.

Through the generous donations of the public, Brendon’s efforts are also supporting seven charities close to his heart: Above Water, Surfers Against Sewage, The RNLI, Christian Surfers, Andys Man Club, Surf Life Saving GB, and Wave Project.

Here at Krystal and Katapult we’ve been blown away by Brendon’s grit, determination and huge public spirit, and are thrilled to have been able to support him on his incredible journey and successful world-record setting adventure. His passion for making a positive change aligns perfectly with both our creed and environmental initiatives.

Huge congratulations Brendon, and here’s to a well-deserved rest on solid ground!