IMarEST Fellow paddling down African river to help stop sexual violence
Gordon Foot (FIMarEST) is raising money for the Sailors' Society and Safer Waves by participating in the Zambezi River Challenge 2025.
While Foot has enjoyed a successful maritime career, he has all too often come across stories of abuse, harassment, abandonment, bullying, unpaid salaries, and more.
“I’m privileged as a white, grey-haired guy that does have a voice. So… I use that voice for other people,” says Foot. Among other activities, Foot regularly speaks out about bullying, harassment, and sexual assault and champions women in maritime through his role as a STEM ambassador supporting school outreach programmes. Raising money for the Sailors' Society and Safer Waves is another way Foot says he can use his privileged voice.
Established in 1818, the Sailor’s Society is a global welfare charity dedicated to supporting seafarers and their families 24/7, year-round. They provide a crisis response network, emergency grants, peer-to-peer support, e-learning support tools, and more.
Safer Waves is a newer charity. First started in 2019, they focus on supporting seafarers who have experienced sexual abuse, harassment, or gender discrimination while working at sea. They provide an anonymous email support service run by specially trained volunteers and provide fact sheets, and other information.
Foot is no stranger to fund-raising challenges. Since 2023, he has trekked the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Safer Waves, raced through the Exeter 10K for Cancer Research UK, and leapt from a plane (parachute attached) for the Alzheimer's Society. Taking place in September 2025, the Zambezi River Challenge will arguably be Foot’s most ambitious challenge to date.
White water rapids and crocodiles
The challenge begins with a gruelling 100-kilometre paddle in a kayak down the Zambezi River into the Batoka Gorge, where Foot will face no less than 25 Grade 5 (expert-level) white water rapids before arriving at Victoria Falls. There’s also the local wildlife – hippos, crocodiles, and elephants – to circumnavigate.
Thankfully, Foot and his fellow paddlers will have a ranger accompanying them for protection. As for preparation, Foot has already started training in his new kayak, sponsored by UTM Consultants, and he’s undergoing rigorous training sessions at the Mount Batten Centre Charity Trust, Plymouth.
Of course, Foot could have chosen an easier way to raise money, but the Zambezi River Challenge ticks off several boxes. First, Foot says that during his career, he’s “been propelled by pretty much everything known to mankind”.
“Nuclear, steam, sail, diesel engines, jet boats. I even did windsurfing when I was younger. But one I hadn’t done was paddle or human power,” he enthuses.
Then there is the location. Much of Foot’s working life has been spent on the African continent. Alongside his respect for the people, Foot says he likes to shine a spotlight on “a continent that has always been, if you like, under the thumb. I’ve got a lot of respect for the resilience of the African people”.
As much as the challenge is about raising money – there is a target of £20,000 – Foot also hopes to highlight the invaluable work of the two charities and inspire the maritime community to come together and do better for all.
Recognising that many people are currently facing financial difficulty, Foot says he doesn’t want anyone to feel they must give a significant amount. “I’m not asking anyone to break the bank or don’t put food on the table. Just donating the price of a tea or a coffee… then everyone’s become a part of the community helping each other.”
Foot is personally covering all the expenses, meaning 100% of the funds donated will be split 50/50 between the two charities.
You can donate to Gordon Foot’s attempt at the Zambezi River Challenge at JustGiving.
Inline image: Gordon Foot training in his kayak; credit: Gordon Foot.
Main image: Victoria Falls, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe; credit: Shutterstock.
