Cal Major is hoping to become the first person to stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Land’s End to John O’Groats. In doing so, she is calling for more people to join the campaign to “ditch the plastic”.
Cal, of North Devon, started her Paddle Against Plastic ealier this month.
Her journey will involve more than 1,000 miles of paddling and is expected to take four months.
Green Tourism, which is based in Scotland, is sponsoring the vetinerary surgeon’s paddle.
Finding alternatives to plastic is a subject close to the hearts of Green Tourism and its members across the industry.
In 2016, Cal SUP-ed 300 miles around the Cornish coast, encouraging people to ditch plastic water bottles in favour of a refillable alternative.
In 2017, she became the first woman to SUP around the Isle of Skye, highlighting that even remote and wild places are no less vulnerable to the issue.
Cal Major at the start of her Paddle Against Plastic expedition.
Biggest SUP challenge yet
Her latest and biggest expedition will highlight the problem of plastic pollution the length of the UK.
Cal said: “The immensity of plastic pollution can seem quite overwhelming. I want to help people see how it is relevant to them, and how really simply they can be part of the solution.”
Andrea Nicholas, Green Tourism managing director, said: “We are delighted to support Cal, who is a passionate environmentalist, in her record attempt to become the first person to stand up paddleboard from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
“What she is doing is an excellent way to raise the issue of plastic pollution and help find solutions.”
See SUP from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.
Green Tourism supports Cal’s Paddle Against Plastic.
Plastic Free Coastlines
As am ambassador for Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Coastlines, Cal will also be linking up Plastic Free Coastlines communities along the way. These community campaigns are helping to bring people together and tackle plastic pollution at source.
She will also inland paddle on estuaries and canals to show the connection between plastic used on land and what ends up out at sea.
In addition, the expedition is also in honour of Cal’s closest friend who lost her battle with depression last year. She will be raising funds for VetLife and The Samaritans, two charities offering support to those with mental health issues. See her fundraising page.