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Two Friends Paddling for a Cleaner Ocean

July 19, 2017

Lucy Graham and Mathilde Gordon are two friends from Cairns, Australia, with a deep love and respect for the ocean. They have recently have launched their mission to paddle approximately 2000km, from Juneau, Alaska to Vancouver Island, Canada, to raise awareness of the issue of marine debris, while inspiring women to pursue adventure. The paddle will take the young women, both in their twenties, between 2 and 3 months and will test their resolve and commitment to themselves and their cause.  

Lucy, an kayak and adventure guide, has done various multi-day paddles in variable conditions before. In 2009, she travelled to Vancouver Island, and laid eyes on the islands in the southern part of the Inside Passage for the first time. Since that moment, kayaking the Inside Passage has been a dream. In 2016 Lucy approached her friend about sharing the adventure of the Inside Passage. Mathilde, despite her inexperience in long distance kayak journeys, immediately said “count me in!” and embraced the opportunity as an exciting leap out of her comfort zone.

Marine debris is an issue that is affecting our oceans worldwide and one that both women are deeply passionate about. Our oceans are clogged with plastic and debris, an international problem that one country cannot fix alone. Lucy and Mathilde want the everyday person to understand the problem and understand how to make a difference. They are encouraging people to go plastic-free with them for the duration of the paddle, or donate to Passage Adventures. All donations will be directed to two marine debris organisations: The Tangaroa Blue Foundation in Australia and The Living Oceans Society, in Canada. These organisations are working hard to reduce marine debris in our oceans and establish source reduction plans. Lucy and Mathilde hope their adventure will inspire others to pursue their own, and also encourage people to begin their journey to protecting our beautiful oceans.

If you would like more information, please contact Lucy Graham and Mathilde Gordon at +61 497 781 002 or email passage.adventures [at] gmail.com

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