Twelve paddlers. Five days. 125 kilometers around Phuket Island. One shared goal: to raise THB1 million for Phuket’s marine environment.
From December 1–5, 2026, a 12-person team will take on Phuket Paddle 2026, combining stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to circumnavigate Phuket Island as part of the third Million Baht Adventure.
The challenge comes as Phuket continues to face growing pressure on its environment. Phuket visitors are up 23% in a single year, while the island’s waste management struggles to keep pace with that growth.
Through Phuket Paddle 2026, the team hopes to turn a major human-powered challenge into meaningful environmental impact.
A 125km Human-Powered Adventure Around Phuket
Million Baht Adventures was founded in January 2024 by Grant “Axe” Rawlinson and Stephanie Rawlinson, bringing together local communities through human-powered challenges designed to raise funds for social causes.
Phuket Paddle 2026 will be the initiative’s third adventure.
Over five days, the team will paddle approximately 125km around Phuket Island using stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.
The fundraising target is THB1 million, with 100% of every donation going directly to the Sustainable Maikhao Foundation.
Sunova / The Board Factory is supporting the challenge by supplying the stand-up paddleboards used during the circumnavigation.
Supporting Sustainable Maikhao Foundation
The Sustainable Maikhao Foundation (SMF) is a Thailand-based nonprofit working to protect Mai Khao Beach and the wider Phuket coastline through action, education and awareness.
Since 2020, the foundation has carried out 760+ beach cleanups, removed 46 tons of debris, delivered 200+ workshops, engaged 11,000+ volunteers, and developed partnerships with more than 20 hotels, schools and government organizations.
SMF is the sole beneficiary of Phuket Paddle 2026.
The THB1 million fundraising target will support the foundation as it continues its work protecting Mai Khao Beach and Phuket’s wider coastline through environmental action, youth education and strategic partnerships.
Where the Funds Will Go
Funds raised through Phuket Paddle 2026 will go directly toward the development of a dedicated Environmental Learning Center for the Sustainable Mai Khao Foundation.
The facility will support SMF’s three core pillars: education, awareness and action.
Under education, the center will help expand environmental workshops for schools, corporate groups and tourists.
Its awareness initiatives will include displays of ocean plastics alongside upcycled products, demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into usable resources.
The center will also provide a year-round operational hub for environmental activities, including a rain-shielded sorting area where collected materials can be prepared for recycling and upcycling partners.
Cleaning up today’s waste addresses the immediate problem, but the project also aims to encourage longer-term changes in attitudes and behavior.
By combining hands-on environmental action with year-round education, the Learning Center is envisioned as a hub connecting communities, tourism organizations and government partners.
The model could eventually be adopted by other coastal communities across Thailand and Southeast Asia.
The facility will also strengthen SMF’s existing activities, including regular beach cleanups, responsible sorting and recycling, school education initiatives and local environmental protection projects in Phuket.
Funds from Phuket Paddle 2026 will also help support SMF’s next chapter, including its contribution toward a Recycling & Learning Center in Mai Khao and the appointment of its first full-time Environmental Educator.
How to Get Involved
Donate
Individuals and companies can contribute directly toward the THB1 million fundraising goal.
Donations can be made through weeboon.com.
Donations can also be made through PayPal at:
paypal.com/ncp/payment/7JWRNLQLM9LDQ
Partner
Businesses can involve their customers or teams by creating special products or promotions, donating a percentage of selected sales, inviting customers to contribute or developing their own collaborations in support of the THB1 million target.
Fundraise
Schools, clubs, companies and communities can also organize their own fundraising activities.
These could include sponsored walks, paddles, team challenges, events or auctions supporting Phuket Paddle 2026.
Inspire
Organizations can also book Grant Rawlinson for a motivational talk or workshop, with proceeds supporting the cause.
More information is available at:
www.powerful-humans.com
More information about Phuket Paddle 2026, the team, social channels and ways to get involved is available at:
linktr.ee/millionbahtadventures
