Emily King, one of the UK’s longest-standing and most successful paddle board athletes, will be on the Isle of Wight on between 3rd and 11th May, waiting for a weather window to complete one of her most ambitious adventures yet.
The King’s Challenge
Over the course of three consecutive days, Emily will cover 200km, circumnavigating the Isle of Wight twice, once by paddleboard and once by bike, before running a marathon across the Island on the third day.
GB SUP Champion
Emily has nearly a decade of experience in racing stand up paddle boards (SUP) at the elite level in the UK and internationally.
She is currently the GBSUP Champion and enjoys finding the time to participate in many adventures and sharing her love of all things outdoors with others.
Found refuge in paddle boarding
Emily found refuge in paddle boarding after a vicious dog attack left her with PTSD and agoraphobia.
Three years after the attack, Emily left her old life behind and moved across the country to Swansea,
“I felt that I had to get away, I had to go and find me… Having a massive fear of being outside and being near dogs, I was recommended surfing because dogs don’t really go out into the waves.”
King: Finally had something that connected with me
When surfing didn’t quite click, she moved on to paddle boarding.
“It absolutely challenged me. I finally had something that connected with me – it was mindful, it pushed the post-traumatic stress back from me and I was living in the moment.”
Fundraising for Youth Trust
Emily is a passionate supporter of mental health and wellbeing and has chosen to use this challenge to help raise vital funds for Isle of Wight Youth Trust – the Island’s largest, local charity that has been providing youth mental health and wellbeing services for over 35 years.
King: My way of giving back
Emily comments,
“It’s massively important to have support and know that you can reach out and that there are people that will help you whatever your situation.
“This is my way of giving back, the Island has been really kind to me over the years.”
Support from local atheletes
Whilst circumnavigating the Island she will be accompanied by Island based endurance SUP athlete and mental health advocate – Charlie Head (who if conditions allow will go on to complete a double circumnavigation of the Island!).
On the ride and run, Emily will be supported by other local athletes.
Show your support
Emily aims to raise £2,500 for the Isle of Wight Youth Trust to provide vital mental health and wellbeing counselling to young Islanders aged 4-25.
If you would like to support this epic challenge, you can donate via the Website.
News shared by Michelle on behalf of Isle of Wight Youth Trust. Ed
