About the Amazon Challenge 2024

The goal of the Amazon Challenge was not just to complete a 335km journey within a specific time, but also to engage with local river communities to understand their day to day life and challenges. Our check points involved stopping over with the Shintuya and Shipetiari communes in the Manu and Ene-Tambo regions of Peru. 

Our journey was self-sufficient, with us carrying all our own gear, including camping kit, food and water. We paddled swift currents and multiple rapids up to grade 3, plus encountered high humidity, illegal deforestation, gold mining activities, cocaine production and endangered wildlife.

​Excitingly, Caz became the first female to paddle down the Madre de Dios on a stand up paddle board.

Inspired? Fancy giving the Amazon Challenge a go in 2025? Click here. We also have a discount code available for anyone thinking about entering - please get in touch if you wish to know more. 

Meet the SLPA Team 

Caroline Dawson: Owner of award winning adventure business, SUP Lass Paddle Adventures, Caz is an accomplished paddler and coach, who has successfully completed several long-distance SUP challenges. Her recent overseas trips include paddling the Vjosa in Albania and working as a guide in Scandinavia. 

Jonathan Gill: An experienced river paddler and partner to Caroline, Jon has previously taken part in a number of team paddle challenges. He is a keen adventure photographer and professional drone pilot. Jon will be responsible for capturing and documenting our journey down the Amazon.

Matthew Phillips: A seasoned paddle boarder and natural leader, who is currently guiding river expeditions in the tropical north of New Zealand. Matt has also spent several seasons guiding SUP adventures in the Panamanian jungle, exploring unmapped areas. Matt will be our jungle expert. 

People | Purpose | Planet  - Our Impact

For the challenge we were generously supported friends, family, fellow paddlers and businesses who shared our adventure ethos. Team SLPA are pleased to have raised almost £2500 'creating a positive impact through adventure', which will be shared between the Shintuya and Shipetiari communities we travelled through, plus the the Manu and Los Amigos Biological Stations we visited. 

Our Fabulous Sponsors....

We were proud to be supported by: 
Videos and photographs of our trip can be found on our SLPA social media channels.