Blackpool man tackles world record to paddle-board round the UK

Jordan Wylie will attempt to be the first person in the world to Stand-Up Paddleboard around Great Britain, a complete journey of approximately 2,000 miles this July.
Jordan Wylie aims to break the world record this monthJordan Wylie aims to break the world record this month
Jordan Wylie aims to break the world record this month

The adventurer and author, from Blackpool, is due to set off on his stand-up paddle board journey around the UK on July 26 - a feat that has been attempted in recent years but no person has been successful in achieving the endeavour.

The extreme physical and psychological barriers will prove challenging for Jordan Wylie, 36, who said the unpredictable British weather can provide a "relentless and unpredictable" challenge.

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Jordan, who is also one of the stars of Channel 4’s BAFTA nominated show Hunted, is on a mission to inspire young people by building a school for refugees on the Horn of Africa that have been displaced by the conflicts in Yemen and Somalia.

The journey will take him over 2,000 milesThe journey will take him over 2,000 miles
The journey will take him over 2,000 miles

He hopes The Great British Paddle can contribute towards the £100,000 he has already raised in the last 12 months to finish the school build which is now well underway.

He said: "The most important thing for me is the impact of the adventure, in this case it’s to build a school on the Horn of Africa for refugee children displaced by war and conflict.

"All my overseas expeditions have been cancelled or moved right due to coronavirus so I needed a new fundraising plan. I came up with the great British Paddle - to raise strong awareness and funds you need to do something that captures the imagination of the public and I loved the idea of this incredible adventure that no one has has achieved yet."

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Jordan, who is no stranger to risk or danger, served in the British Army for 10 years and ran through the three most dangerous countries in the world in 2018, which was also the subject of his latest book; Running For My Life.

Jordan is due to set off on his stand-up paddle board journey around the UK on July 26Jordan is due to set off on his stand-up paddle board journey around the UK on July 26
Jordan is due to set off on his stand-up paddle board journey around the UK on July 26

And last year he completed another world first when he rowed across the Bab El Mandeb Straits, the gateway to the pirate invested Gulf of Aden, hailed as the most dangerous stretch of water on the planet.

His ambition didn't stop there, as this year he was scheduled to run marathons in the 10 coldest places on Earth but having completed Siberia, Yukon, Alaska and Iceland, his plans came to a grinding hold when the world went into lockdown as a result of the pandemic.

"If I achieve the record it’s a bonus but for me, the greatest achievement will be to inspire lots of young people through the spirit of adventure. The fact it’s a world record attempt is great for allowing me to talk about the children and the charity that we are trying to help," he said.

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"That said, I’m very determined, motivated and believe in myself 100 percent so I will certainly be giving it everything I’ve got to ensure it’s a success."

The Great British Paddle will be supported by an experienced team of professionals including world record breaking sailor Alex Alley, adventure psychologist and polar explorer Paula Reid and former military adventurer James May.

Sponsored by Angel Call Handling, a local Andover based business, the company provide professional business support services and have a reputation for excellence across Hampshire. Jordan stated "to work with Angela and Sarah is a real honour, these lovely ladies and their business have so much passion, positive energy and drive and these are all traits I will need to be successful in The Great British Paddle."

As well as Angel Call Handling, Jordan’s full time exclusive sponsors, Eton Harris and Chartercross Capital Management based in the UAE will be supporting the project after the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed all the plans to head to colder climates throughout 2020.

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Jordan said: "I am super grateful to the team at Eton Harris and Chartercross, they have been like a family to me and the fact I get to work with them every day is a real privilege. They are the reason I am able to visit so many schools, cadet units and youth organisations and share my experiences to help others. I will fly their flag proudly.

"There are many other companies and organisations that will be supporting the expedition through kit and equipment suppliers and even a support boat sponsor too. This is a challenge like no other and I will be giving it my best shot as always."