Gordon Foot, an inspiring figure in the maritime industry, is gearing up for one of his most daring endeavours yet – the Zambezi River Challenge 2025. Next September, Gordon will embark on an intense and treacherous 100-kilometre journey, paddling through the rapids of the mighty Zambezi River to raise awareness and funds for Sailors’ Society and Safer Waves, two charities dedicated to supporting the safety of seafarers. Today, on World Maritime Day, ‘Navigating the Future: Safety First,’ the focus on safety at sea is more crucial than ever – something both Sailors’ Society and Safer Waves are deeply committed to upholding.
Gordon joined the Royal Navy at the age of 17 and served for 19 years as an engineer in submarines. He then ventured into the Merchant Navy within the offshore energy disciplines and in 2021 received the Merchant Navy medal for meritorious service.
No stranger to pushing boundaries, Gordon has completed numerous extreme challenges, from scaling Mount Kilimanjaro’s 19,341-foot summit last autumn to parachuting from 15,000 feet earlier this year. However, the Zambezi River Challenge will take him into uncharted waters – quite literally. After several high-altitude adventures, Gordon has decided to return to the water, this time relying solely on human power. His journey will navigate the untamed waters along the Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe borders, concluding with a rafting expedition through the world-famous Batoka Gorge, home to the planet’s most ferocious white-water rapids.
Gordon’s challenge shines a spotlight on two charities close to his heart. Sailors’ Society, a global maritime welfare charity established in 1818, provides essential services to seafarers and their families, offering everything from emergency grants to mental health support. In a rapidly evolving maritime world, Sailors’ Society has remained at the forefront of welfare efforts, even creating an innovative “Virtual Chaplaincy” service. This 24/7 accessible support system ensures that seafarers can connect with someone in times of need, even while isolated at sea.
Equally important is Safer Waves, which provides confidential support to merchant seafarers who have experienced sexual harassment, violence, or gender discrimination while on board. In a male-dominated industry where only 2% of the workforce are women, Safer Waves tackles sensitive but crucial issues. Through its anonymous email service, the organisation offers a safe platform for seafarers to seek help without fear of reprisal, ensuring that seafarers of all nationalities and genders have access to trained support.
The Zambezi River is not for the faint-hearted. Gordon will face a barrage of challenges, from battling powerful rapids to navigating past dangerous wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. The Batoka Gorge, known for its sheer cliffs and thundering waters, presents one of the most turbulent white-water experiences on Earth.
Gordon has wasted no time in preparing for this monumental feat. As part of his training, he completed an intensive three-hour kayak session at the Mountbatten Centre Charity Trust (MCCT), mastering his new kayak sponsored by UTM Consultants. This focused water training was crucial in helping Gordon adapt to the specific demands of navigating the treacherous Zambezi River.
Gordon aims to raise £20,000 over the next 12 months, but his mission goes beyond financial goals. He aims to inspire the maritime industry, showcasing the strength of community and the importance of lifelong learning. By undertaking the Zambezi River Challenge, he also hopes to highlight businesses that have supported his journey and encourage more organisations to take an active role in improving conditions within the industry.
As Gordon prepares for this next adventure, he remains committed to not only raising funds but also fostering a greater understanding of the challenges seafarers face, inspiring change in an industry he has long been a part of.
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