Between those dates a small group of stand-up paddle surfers will attempt a gruelling marathon paddle across the southern Algarve from Sagres to Vila Real de Santo Antonio to raise awareness and money to help stop the ever growing problem of pollution in Portugal’s oceans and along the shores.
According to ASMAA, this pollution “is expected to increase significantly” if proposed oil and gas prospecting goes ahead later this year.
“Pollution in the ocean kills more than one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles each year through ingestion, entanglement as well as from sound waves from offshore drilling and seismic surveys. All proceeds from the event will benefit ASMAA’s campaign ‘Say Yes To Alternative Energy and Say No To Oil And Gas In The Algarve.’
ASMAA is a non-profit organisation that advocates healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems while promoting responsible surf and other marine business best practices.
The association also claims that SUP is the fastest-growing water sport in the world.
“Originally the sport of Hawaiian royalty, and then popular with the Waikiki beach boys of the 50’s, it has recently enjoyed a resurgence world-wide. Portugal is following in this worldwide trend”, it explains, adding: “The beauty, purity and the challenge of this sport make it a wonderful platform to raise awareness about the extremely serious issue of ocean pollution. Our goal is to make this an annual event that will serve as an on-going fundraiser for, and reminder of, our need to be responsible stewards of the ocean.”
As well as seeking additional sponsors and donations the association further requires a limited number of experienced paddle surfers for this inaugural Algarve SUP Challenge.
For more information, contact Laurinda Seabra at info@asmaa-algarve.org. More information is also available at www.asmaa-algarve.org, or www.algarvesupchallenge.org.
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