We did it!

On Sunday, 19th June, Katerina Vichou, Shu Pu and Katherine Lynch smashed expectations by successfully paddling non stop around Lantau island in record breaking 7 hours 36 minutes 51 seconds in double and 8 hours 7 minutes 9 seconds in solo outrigger canoes, setting new records. They are the first ones ever paddled around Lantau non-stop in solo and double outrigger canoes.

The paddlers pushed themselves to the limit in blazing 34degree heat all to raise funds and awareness for 3 local charities working on ocean conservation and making water sports activities available to the community.

One of the paddlers Katerina Vichou said - "Today’s paddle was the hardest yet the most meaningful one I’ve ever done! I’m truly thankful for all the support we got and for having such amazing partners like Katherine and Shu."

The women started their crusade in the early hours of Sunday morning, paddling anti-clockwise around Lantau. Highlights of their journey include being greeted by pods of Chinese White Dolphins as they leapt into the air next to the canoes. Some were curious enough to approach and investigate what the paddlers were doing.

While their journey through Lantau highlighted the immense natural beauty of the island, its coastlines and animals, it also reflected the environmental issues that threaten these same beauties. Paddlers and support swimmers navigated through thick rubbish patches, construction work from the Macau Zhu-Hai bridge and passed high speed ferries.

Paddlers were supported by The Little Blue Trawler. An ex-fishing trawler converted into an ocean classroom by Plastic Free Seas. Volunteer supporters swam out to deliver much needed refills to the paddlers which they accepted with great big smiles! Laughter was very present on both the single and double canoes with the end near in sight.

When asked what got her through the challenging stages, Shu Pu replied "The chilled watermelons" with a big grin, “well, also the desire to finish…knowing that we just cannot fail this with all the trust and support from the donors and the whole ocean community. This is after all just pain.”

We are so lucky to have the opportunity to do this and pass your generosity and support to these three very worthy charities in HK: Plastic Free Seas, Splash and Sailability. Thank you so very much!

With your help we were able to reach our initial goal of $60,000 before we started the paddle, so we've increased it to $80,000. We are pretty close now so please help spread the word! https://assets.gogetfunding.com/pure-ocean-fundraising-pa...

Like our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/pureoceanconnection/ We will be posting more photos and fund-raising undates.

Warm regards,

Katerina, Shu and Katherine