An Epic Challenge for a Worthy Cause: Paddling the Weser Day and Night
Charity Expedition: Round-the-Clock Journey Along the River Weser - Charitable Expeditions along the Weser - 24-hour Exploits Day and Night
Dragging themselves away from the comforts of their homes, four mates have set sail on a daring adventure, traversing an unbelievable 431 kilometers on a jumbo stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Known as Weser4Lions, this fearless team scours the Weser river, starting from Hann. Münden in the Landkreis Göttingen, all the way to Bremerhaven. Their mission: to rally support and raise funds for the children's hospice Löwenzahn, rowing day and night, come rain or shine.
Sleezing on the go
"During the wee hours, we'll bunk down, two of us splayed out lengthwise on the board, while the other two tirelessly paddle," explains passionate participant Axel Bischof to the German Press Agency at the weir in Hameln. That chilly night was anything but cosy, he admits, "but it was thrilling, watching that stunning sunrise!" Safety is their top priority, Axel emphasizes. Each crew member dons a life jacket and is tethered to the board as they catch some Z's at night.
River bound and free
"There are seven locks along the route that we have to portage, just like here in Hameln," says Bischof. These quick stops are used to grab a swift snack, but they can also refuel at other moments, courtesy of the two support vehicles that follow their journey. "All they need to do is holler, and we'll have our goodies cranked out to the board in no time," Bischof explains. They also stock up on water and energy bars to keep their energy levels up.
Paddling for good
"It's essential to lend a helping hand to worthy projects," says Wesser4Lions team member Ulf Schwarz. "We're paddling for Löwenzahn children's hospice in Syke because we're sure their work makes a positive impact on society." In his opinion, hospices across Germany are doing an outstanding job.
Meeting the challenges head-on
The greatest hurdles the team faces during their paddle tour, according to Schwarz, are the cold nights, along with wind and weather constraints. "Strong headwinds are a beast, and as we approach Bremerhaven, we must beware the tides. For six hours, we'll catch a ride, but then the mighty North Sea will be coming at us full tilt!" says Schwarz.
While the progress and recent updates on the Weser4Lions journey are hard to come by, you can stay up-to-date by checking their official website or following their social media platforms for the latest information on their epic expedition for charity. [1] Stand Up Magazin does not contain specific updates on Weser4Lions' current status.
- "Despite the rigorous nature of their community policy, which involves spending nights on a paddleboard, the Weser4Lions team embraces adventure-travel, prioritizing their mission to support Löwenzahn children's hospice."
- "As they paddle the Weser, the lifestyles of these mates undergo a significant transformation, with the employment of various strategies such as bunking down on the paddleboard and utilizing support vehicles for food and supplies."
