Marco makes it full circle

PHUKET: Luxembourg national and island resident Marco Reinard arrived at Rawai Pier just after 5 pm on Thursday, 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 him with applause and cheers as he arrived at the pier.

Sponsored by HotelTravel.com, Marco said his 20 hours of paddling had its scary moments, and dangerous conditions forced him to make an overnight stop at the north of the island.

“On Wednesday evening, the waves were dangerously high and with no light from the shore it was so dark that I couldn’t see the waves coming. I really didn’t know where I was, so I decided to stop for the night,” he said.

With just a mobile phone, a waterproof map and a few snacks for the trip, Marco navigated the coastline by simply “keeping Phuket on the left”.

With longer sea treks planned for the future, Marco hopes to eventually complete a video documentary that will highlight environmental issues and the plight of indigenous people around the world.

Click here to learn more about Marco’s expeditions and environmental projects.