The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Surfer out to cause splash in 100-mile paddle fundraiser
ANairn watersports enthusiast is set to take on a gruelling 100-mile paddle challenge in an attempt to give back to surf therapy charities.
Caorann Fosbrooke, 27, started surfing with his father 15 years ago and has never looked back.
Offering a sense of calm, taking to the water has been beneficial for the engineer, who has struggled with both stress and anxiety throughout his life.
Caorann said: “I think surfers would all say it is an escape from day-to-day life, difficulties and challenges.
“Just being in nature and being outdoors makes you forget about anything else.
“You are focused in the moment and that helps with a range of things.
“Surfers have known this for a long time, but now a lot more research is going into proving it and this enables charities to get more support and funding.”
Later this month, as a nod to his love of the water, Caorann will embark on a 100-mile prone paddle – essentially swimming while lying or kneeling on a paddle board – through the Highlands. Caorann will paddle between Port Appin on the west coast, to Nairn on the east coast, through the Caledonian Canal.
The challenge will see him paddling for up to eight hours a day – depending on the weather.
He decided to paddle board to meet his “desire to do something really physically challenging” and “overcome fears and feel more confident”.
Over the last few weeks, he has been busy trying to boost his fitness levels as he prepares.
He added: “I have really tried to get out on the paddle board as much as possible – twice a week I will try to get out for three hours.
“I have been trying to do an hour in the pool, get out surfing and go to the gym. Hopefully it is enough. I think that it should be.”
The money raised will go towards surf therapy charities SurfABLE, Wave Project Scotland and Groundswell Scotland.
Donations to Caorann’s fundraiser can be made on crowdfunder.co.uk