SUP world record holder, David Haze, Returns To Prison To Plant Trees Of Hope
A PRISONER turned paddleboarder is to return to gaol – to plant trees.
David Haze, 37, turned his back on a life of crime after serving a three year stretch for burglary and handling stolen goods at HMP Guys Marsh, Dorset.
Instead, he took to the water in a bid to reconnect with the natural world and has since gained seven world paddleboarding records – and is preparing for his eighth.
On 14 October, he will fly to Reykjavik and on to Egilsstaðir in a bid to cross Iceland’s longest lake, Logurinn, in less than six hours.
And to offset the 322kg of CO2 emissions created by his 3800km return flights, he is teaming up with The Woodland Trust to plant 70 trees in the grounds of HMP Leyhill, Gloucester.
He will plant a variety of species, including alders, common beech, common osier and field maple, in the prison grounds “to create a green space in an environment surrounded by so much failure and negativity to inspire growth, rehabilitation and connect with nature.”
A former forex trader in London, David turned to crime and drugs after losing his lucrative City job, ending up with two stints in prison.
However, after enrolling in a prison reform programme, he turned his life around and he said the decision to plant trees in the grounds of a prison “will give hope to others who are in the same position I was.”
David, from Bournemouth, said: “The great outdoors and nature have completely transformed my life and I hope I can pass this on and help others get through some of the most difficult times in their lives.”
His Icelandic challenge comes hot on the heels of his recent 70m circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight – which was entirely carbon neutral – and is sponsored by leading UK-based environmental technology company Oscar Propulsion.
Its patented unique slitted design on his paddles have enabled him to paddle for longer while reducing the risk of injury.
Duncan Troy, CEO at Oscar Propulsion said: “Having Oscar Propulsion’s blade technology validated by such an inspirational young man is incredible.
“David Haze is a truly remarkable role model and it’s great to be contributing to his adventure and wellbeing.”