To people passionate about clean,oceans, rivers and beaches,
My name is Robert Kidnie a 35 year old from Sydney, Australia. 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.
So 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!
(Check this link to more info on Stand-up paddling:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stand_up_paddle_surfing)
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.
So 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 have many ideas but typing is not my forte and 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
PS. Please see attached photos and Saigon Times article below.
