Ahead of Southampton International Boat Show, organisers British Marine are calling on volunteers to join a community paddle board event to help turn the tide on plastic in our waters.
Hosted in partnership with Planet Patrol, one of the key official charities that Southampton International Boat Show is supporting this year, the paddleboard clean-up will see both experienced and new paddlers take to the River Itchin on Sunday 5 September to help collect and record litter on the Southampton waterways.
Taking place as part of Southampton International Boat Show’s pledge to make the 52nd show the most sustainable and environmentally friendly yet, it also offers the perfect opportunity for first timers to get out on the water to give paddle boarding a go under expert guidance.
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine said; “As well as our green pledge, a key focus of this year’s show is accessibility. We want to facilitate helping as many people as possible to try out new sports and activities and the Planet Patrol partnership caters brilliantly to both.”
“With so many perceived barriers to trying on the water activities, community groups and initiatives such as those run by Planet Patrol are so important in helping first timers dip their toe in the water, as well as being part of a fantastic environmental initiative.”
Planet Patrol Founder, Lizzie Carr said: “Our coordinated activity based clean ups harness the power of the local community to encourage people to look after our environment, driving action that serves to protect our planet and wildlife from the harmful effects of pollution. Our events are open to everyone regardless of their experience level and volunteers record the litter they find for analysis in the free Planet Patrol app, helping us to better understand the problem so we can hold brands accountable and tackle the issue for closed loop solutions.”
Places are limited and participants must register for a free ticket and need to be aged 16+. For full event information and details of how to sign up and take part in the community clear up, visit https://planetpatrol.co/blog/stec_event/mass-paddleboarding-clean-up-with-southampton-international-boat-show-southampton/
For those interested in giving water sports a try who may not be able to make the community clear up event, look no further than the brand new ‘On The Water’ zone launching at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show. The zone offers people the chance to get involved in activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding – all within the price of their ticket.
This year’s Southampton International Boat Show will also offer visitors the chance to buy some of the newest and most advanced products made from recycled and recyclable materials, and discover the latest technological advances designed to protect the environment. Attendees can get specific advice and guidance from The Green Blue stand, a joint initiative between British Marine and the RYA, highlighting sustainable and environmentally friendly products and services through its Green Blue Business Directory.
