Island Resident Paddles Around Phuket

[sbk]

PHUKET: Luxembourg national and island resident Marco Reinard arrived at Rawai Pier just after 5 pm Thursday evening, tired, sunburned and triumphant after completing a solo 200-kilometer paddle around Phuket in an 18-foot kayak.

Marco clocked an average speed of 10 kilometers an hour during his 36-hour circuit of the island, which he completed to raise awareness of environmental issues and the impact of encroaching development on indigenous people.

A crowd of excited youngsters, well-wishers, friends and media turned out to greet Marco with applause and cheers as he arrived at the pier.

The rest of the article can be found in the Phuket Gazette

[Mid]

that's impressive .

[funfun]

that's impressive .

he was probobly trying to escape!

[Old Croc]

If he averaged 10 ks an hour it should have taken only 20 hours for the 200 kms trip.

Did he have a 16 hour break in the middle?

(Read the article now - he did stop when it got too rough)

[sbk]

It said in the article that he stopped during the night when the waves got too big for his kayak.

[NBT TV Phuket]

MiniVDO: A long-distance Canoeist & Environmentalist canoed all the way around Phuket Island.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=214306

Marco Reinart, from Luxembourg, yesterday completed a full circumnavigation of Phuket Island, starting from and finishing at Rawai pier; he left there at 7am on Wednesday 18 July and after stopping at 11pm until 7am on Surin Beach, where he almost crashed into a coral reef at night, he made the last turn around the famously treacherous Cape Promthep, riding through big swells, and returned around 5pm yesterday afternoon. The 200 kilometre trip took him about 20 hours. He was welcomed back by the sea gypsy community at Rawai, and sponsors from HotelTravel.com. He aimed to raise awareness about global warming, pollution, and the environment in this area. Previously he canoed round Lanta Island of Krabi in 11 hours; and also windsurfed from Burma to Malaysia. He plans to sail a Hobie Cat from Burma to Taiwan in November, with a sea gypsy of Phi Phi Island on board. For more info see his future website www.gipseacat.org or contact his assistant, David: Tel 087-2795021 or email [email protected]

from Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) 8.30am + FM90.5 Radio Thailand 6pm, both broadcast from Phuket City to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces & maybe later on Phuket Cable TV Channel 1, Friday 20 July 2007 & www.Thaisnews.com {Our news text and mini-videos can be freely copied, but give credit to Andaman News TV11 Phuket or contact [email protected]}

[fiddlehead]

As a long time friend of Markos, I would like to congratulate him on his feat.

He has been training for this around Nai Harn area, for quite some time now.

When he 1st told me about it, i was skeptical that he could maintain the pace over the time. (he originally wanted to complete the circumvent in 24 hours)

Sounds like he made better time than he thought although he wisely stopped for the night in the north because of the high waves and lack of light. I wonder why he didn't wait for a full moon to help him and a clear night. (if that's possible this time of year)

He is a determined, fit, well trained athlete who uses his intense personality to achieve some amazing things. (last year he windsurfed from Burma to Malaysia)

The TV report says that he is planning on sailing a hobie cat to taiwan. I believe all his adventures get tougher and tougher perhaps in preparation for that one. That is a long way as he would go around Singapore and the straits of Taiwan have some of the highest winds in the world I believe.

Anyway, congratulations once again and good luck in your future endeavors.

[chickencurry]

The TV report says that he is planning on sailing a hobie cat to taiwan. I believe all his adventures get tougher and tougher perhaps in preparation for that one. That is a long way as he would go around Singapore and the straits of Taiwan have some of the highest winds in the world I believe.

Anyway, congratulations once again and good luck in your future endeavors.

Hope he's considered all the tankers round Singapore waters - will the Singaporean authorities give permission?