SHETLAND to ORKNEY
DATE: 18–19 August 2025
START: East Voe, Scalloway (Shetland)
FINISH: Sanday (Orkney)
DISTANCE: 63.2 NM (72.7 miles / 117 km)
TOTAL TIME: 25 hrs 40 min (Non-stop)
DISCIPLINE: Solo paddleboard Unsupported
ENVIRONMENT: North Sea
A 117-kilometer non-stop solo paddleboard crossing from Scalloway, Shetland, to Sanday, Orkney, was completed in roughly 25 hours. With the weather window for The Vortex Crossing from the Faroe Islands to Scotland shut down, Shetland became the tactical pivot. Mid-passage food poisoning made the long hours on the water far tougher than anticipated, but the route served as a solid proving ground—testing the custom Gear Cabin and offshore kit over a full day and night in the North Sea to dial everything in before taking on the Faroes.
ADVENTURER Charlie Head has completed his solo paddleboarding journey from Shetland to Orkney... an unbroken 117 km route believed to be the first of its kind."
"Throughout his endeavors, Charlie continues to raise awareness for ocean protection and mental health, supporting causes such as Sea Shepherd Global and Dare2Express."