Photograph Credit: https://www.emmagraystonephotography.com/

An adventure that will begin in the Welsh hills where the River Severn first starts its journey as a slight trickle from the ground.

On the 17th of June 2022 Craig Jackson and James Sutherland of SUP Shropshire Adventure Guiding will be embarking on a challenge to Stand Up Paddleboard over 200km of the beautiful river Severn unsupported. Their aim, to raise funds and awareness of two important charities close to their hearts.

The two charities are https://seaful.org.uk/about/ and sara-rescure.org.uk

Craig Jackson is a serving Fire Officer within the UK Fire Service, a Water Skills Academy Stand-up Paddleboard Coach/Adventure Guide, Mental Health Advocate and charity volunteer.

Charities

1 in 5 Children have never been to the seaside!

Craig is an Ambassador for Seaful charity and only last year with the help of James he launched the first Seaful sessions at Chelmarsh Sailing Club. From those sessions he witnessed children overcome their fears of the water and seeing what he calls a light bulb moment of joy and relaxation in their faces bringing Seafuls mission ever closer to his heart.

Seaful was launched in 2020 by Cal Major an ocean advocate, veterinary surgeon and world-record stand-up paddleboard adventurer She is passionate about connecting people to the ocean, and protecting the animals and ecosystems within them. https://www.calmajor.com/

Through Seaful we are able to work with children and adults from inner city locations, introducing them to blue spaces and hopefully creating stewardship to protect our oceans in addition to recognising the mental health benefits from our blue spaces.

James Sutherland is a Water Safety Officer in the UK Fire Service, Water Skills Academy Stand-up Paddleboard Coach/Adventure Guide. He is also a volunteer for Severn Area Rescue (SARA). https://www.sara-rescue.org.uk/

SARA is a rescue organisation supported by volunteers. They are often called out to locate and rescue vulnerable people. They continue searching for casualties when emergency services can no longer commit, bringing closure for so many families.

Journey

Their paddleboarding journey will begin at the rivers first navigable point on the welsh border. From there they will travel over 200km along the river, camping along the way and living out of dry bags for the duration.

On each day James and Craig will be promoting things that are close to their hearts and the ethos of SUP Shropshire; SUP Safety, Mental Health Awareness and the benefits of our blue spaces along with demonstrating and discussing the ongoing pollution to our rivers. So keep an eye on their social media pages for updates.

Support

They are fortunate to be supported by Fourth Element Dive with their Adventure and Expedition Series equipment and clothing. They will be reviewing kit and putting it to the test throughout the multi day journey. https://fourthelement.com/

One of the reasons Craig and James chose Fourth Element as a supporter was due to the company's OCEAN POSITIVE message and their commitment to a cleaner ocean.

"Fourth Element is dedicated to making the best gear for your underwater adventures, from award winning drysuits and wetsuits to swimwear and rashguards made from recycled ghost fishing nets. We develop our products to perform in the world’s most extreme environments and we are working to minimise their impact on our planet and its oceans." (www.fourthelement.com)

"Being ‘OceanPositive’ stems from not just what we do in the ocean but also what we do in our everyday lives. From the garments we produce to the packaging they are in and the projects that we support along the way, everything we do leads to ensuring a more sustainable business that is good for the ocean." (www.fourthelement.com)

We are still short of a few pieces of equipment such as tents, sleeping matts and other adventure accessories. If you would like to support us on our journey then please get in touch craig-jackson@hotmail.co.uk

If you can spare the price of a coffee to support our charities we would be extremely grateful.

Thanking you in advance and please give us a wave if you see us passing by your locale.

We would like to kindly ask that donations are spread evenly across the two charities.

Craig and James