A serving Royal Marine Commando and his close friend will attempt to raise funds for the Royal Marines Charity with a unique set of sea kayaking challenges along the south coast of the UK, including circumnavigating the Island by kayak at the end of July.
Royal Marine Captain Chris Abrams with his kayaking partner Jamile Siddiqui will push themselves to their endurance limits in 3 separate events that will see them paddle around the Isle of Wight, cross the Irish Sea, and race against the clock from Poole in Dorset to CTCRM Lympstone in Devon: the home of Commando Training.
The indomitable paddlers are set to complete their adventure as part of the Commando 80 Challenge, a fundraising initiative being held through 2022 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Royal Marines taking on the commando role during WW2 in 1942. This momentous anniversary is given all the more relevance as the Royal Marines Charity (RMA) emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, having experienced a significant reduction in charitable activity resulting in a loss of funding.
The Ocean Wave Challenge includes 3 events:
Challenge 1: (28th – 30th July) Circumnavigate the Isle of Wight, from Poole Harbour, travelling anticlockwise around the Island as quickly as possible, covering a distance of circa 80 nautical miles
Challenge 2: (20th – 21st August) Cross the Irish Sea from Rosslare to St David’s at St Georges Channel, a distance of circa 44nm.
Challenge 3: (8th – 10th September) Paddle the Poole to Lympstone route, shadowing runners during the land event, a distance of circa 80nm.
