SUP'ING DOWN THE MEKONG RIVER

Rob Kidnie, the founder of KNS, has set himself a unique challenge: to standup paddle the length of the Mekong River from Cambodia through Vietnam, to the South China Sea - and in the process, raise awareness of the problems of waterway, beach and ocean pollution in South-east Asia

Here's what Rob had to say about the challenge:

I am a passionate life-long surfer/kitesurfer/paddleboarder that has spent the last eight years traveling the world chasing wind and waves. I have spent the majority of my time in Asia, with the last five years predominantly in Vietnam. In my travels I am often sickened by the amount of rubbish that I see in the oceans, waterways and on the beaches. I have thought long and hard about what I could do to help this situation.

I have come-up with the idea of "stand-up paddling" from Cambodia through Vietnam to the South China Sea via the Mekong River, The Mekong being the perfect example of a polluted waterway!The paddle down the Mekong River is a challenge that I would relish in itself, but I see this as a golden opportunity to raise awareness for the need for cleaner oceans, waterways and beaches.

I'm am trying to get in contact with as many like minded people as I can to help and support with the charity side of things. I have got the paddling logistics under control and am willing to finance this side of things myself - but extra funding could create much more significant exposure and a professional image.

What I would mainly like help with is finding the right charity/organisation that can benefit from this epic (first in the world) journey, together with people to assist me in marketing this worthwhile cause.

These are some of things that I could incorporate in the journey to create awareness about this cause;

• Exposure through Print Media, Internet, TV, Radio, youtube etc
• Local people education, though support vessel signage and face to face communication (I have already organised some Vietnamese support and translators)
• Free giveaways such as hats, t-shirts brochures etc etc
• The list goes on.......

I would love people to help with this side of things. I plan on the doing the trip in early May before the June wet-season, so I need to get things going ASAP.

Please feel free to contact me anytime on rob@kite-n-surf.com or +84 1267 194 923 - I would relish your support and/or feedback.

Thanking you in advance

Rob Kidnie