The duo behind Kayak for Charity, Dorian Vassallo and Albert Gambina, are taking on a new challenge this year, with the aim of continuing to renew their support for Inspire Foundation Malta.

This time, the pair will be paddling by canoes around the island of Malta.

Last year, the pair took on a paddling journey of more than 1000 kilometres starting from Malta to Sicily, and then journeying all around the island of Sicily - which took almost a month. This year the duo will embark on a new adventure, making them the first people to paddle an OC1 around Malta, all in aid of the Inspire Foundation.

Used in competitive sport, Albert and Dorian are the only people to own the OC1 canoes in Malta, and through this initiative, this will be the first time that an OC1 will be paddling around Malta. One of the most obvious challenges is that the stroke and seating are quite different from that of a kayak, and Albert and Dorian may have to withstand severe back pain to complete the route. There is also very limited storage space on the vessel so any food and drink would need to be rationed throughout. In addition, they will paddle this journey unassisted.

The distance of this journey is 42 Nautical miles, or approximately 75 km. It should take just over 12 hours, but is also very much dependent on weather conditions. The pair plan to take on this new paddle journey in August, following the Santa Maria feast.

In 2021, Dorian and Albert managed to raise €20,000 for Inspire Foundation. This year, they aim to break their own record. All those interested in supporting Kayak for Charity through this journey can submit their donation by clicking on one of the donation buttons on this page: https://inspire.org.mt/kayakforcharity/

If people would like to donate more than the options available, they can email [email protected] to make their donation.