Bermudian Adam Johnson is planning to paddle board around the island to raise funds for the Sargasso Sea Commission.

The surfer and adventure racer estimates that he will cover about 40 miles but that could increase depending on wind and currents.

He said: “The ocean doesn’t have a voice and I want to join with others who are getting the word out that the Sargasso Sea needs our protection.

“The Sargasso faces threats from fishing, plastics, shipping traffic and vessel discharge, as well as climate change. I have made it my goal to stand up for the Sargasso by standup paddle boarding around Bermuda”.

It will take approximately 50,000 paddle strokes to get around the island and Mr Johnson hopes to complete the adventure in ten hours.

“It’s not possible to set a specific date to attempt this as the weather plays such a big part in making the circumnavigation possible,” he said.

“I am looking carefully at the weather forecasts and hope to find a day where the weather co-operates sometime in the next two weeks.”

Mr Johnson said he chose to help the Sargasso Sea Commission as he has a strong attachment to the ocean.

“I grew up surfing and sailing and I love anything that connects me with the water.

“When you talk to people about conservation of the sea, sometimes their eyes glaze over. So I needed to find something that would get some attention, something that hadn’t been done before and something that I hope will inspire others to join me in preserving our ocean environment”.

Mr Johnson will be working with Look Bermuda and Starboard Paddle Board Company to produce a short movie of the challenge, highlighting the need to protect the Sargasso Sea.

Johnson has set up a fundraising page and is looking for support to help him reach his goal of $10,000 for the Sargasso Sea Commission.

For more information, Mr Johnson can be reached by telephone 232-1732 or by e-mailing: adillj@gmail.com