Isle of Wight man completes nine-year UK circumnavigation

In so doing, Charlie Head, of Bembridge, became the first person in the UK to stand up paddleboard the circumference of the outer Hebrides.

The 42-year-old completed his world-record attempt on September 11, raising funds for mental health charity, Dare 2 Express.

The explorer, film maker and athlete has suffered with mental health himself, and completed the feat for a cause very close to his heart.

Charlie is an endurance athlete, and his expedition on the Scottish coastline was the final chapter of his solo circumnavigation of the UK by stand-up paddleboard.

On November 7, 2020, he completed an overnight 104km non-stop crossing of Moray Firth solo, unsupported, through two wind farms and in 15 hours of darkness.

Charlie Head kicking back with a seal.

On December 10, he rounded Cape Wrath, and is believed to be first paddleboarder to do so.

On July 21 of this year, he crossed “The Minch” from Stoer to Lemreway, and nine days later he crossed The Inner Hebridean Sea ­— a one of a kind 82km solo feat.

Despite his extensive experience and preparation, Charlie’s challenges are rarely straightforward, with a focus on sustainability and camping wild.

He is often hostage to the elements, equipment failure, and the kindness of strangers.

Charlie conceived the UK expedition as a social experiment.

Charlie Head.

Going solo and unsupported forced him to ask for help, prompting strangers and communities to come together in collaboration and conversation.

"It's not often you get a chance to evaluate ten years of your life," said Charlie.

"It was such a soulful, educational and insightful experience, and there was a lot of problem solving involved, in terms of navigating the waters safely.

"I started it as a sort of right of passage, to figure things out for myself. I met so many people along the way."

Through his JustGiving page, Charlie has already raised more than £2,000 ­for his circumference of the Scottish coastline — smashing his £1,100 target.

To make a donation, and pay tribute to Charlie's achievement, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dare2expressdonationscharliehead