A FLINTSHIRE dock was chosen as the blast off and landing place of the first person to circumnavigate the whole of Wales.

Sian Sykes, of Llangollen, who now lives in Anglesey, landed at Connah's Quay dock on Friday after setting off from the spot 60 days ago on March 7.

The keen water-sportswoman completed an epic 1000km voyage on a stand-up paddle board, making her the first to circumnavigate across Wales' rivers, canals, and coastal path.

The adventure was to raise awareness of single use plastic, marine litter and the plastic pollution crisis, and raise money for Surfers Against Sewage, North Wales Wildlife Trust and the RNLI.

Sian was beaming when she put her feet back on dry land after her two-month water adventure, and phoned Holyhead coastguard for the final time to assure them of her safety on land.

She was greeted by film crews, the Dee Estuary coastguard and her parents, Jane and Dennis Sykes, who congratulated her with embraces and her favourite delicacy, ginger beer: "This is my champagne," she said.

Sian told the Leader: "It was better than what I ever thought. It was incredible. I would totally do it again, maybe in Greenland or Patagonia because it's beautiful.

"I've seen a few storms, and was quite concerned because when I set off the Beast from the East was around, and there were times I was in 30mph headwinds, particularly on the Severn Estuary. I've been at it for 6o days, but I haven't gone out on days where it's been too dangerous.

"I saw a lot of plastic along the way, especially around urban areas. I retrieved most of it but there were plastic tides on rivers, which was sad to see. The whole journey has been without using single-use plastic and I really want to inspire other people to give up using it.

Spending 37 days paddling, and 23 days on land during adverse weather, is a challenge most would crack under. But Sian was adamant on completing her 1000km in 60 days, and travelled on average 35km a day while pushing her self when the conditions were in her favour.

She said: "Through the whole 60 days, I never thought I can't do it. It was never an option to stop. I've met some interesting people on this unsupported expedition, and and had some generous acts of kindness and amazing support."

Sian started at Connah's Quay dock and paddled to Chester's canals, then to the River Severn, across to the Gower and up through Ceredigion, the Llyn Peninsula, through Anglesey and back to the Quay. She wild camped during the evenings and said the days when the weather was too poor to paddle were the days she "sorted herself out."

Her Starboard paddleboard weighs 15kg without her 10-days rations and spare clothing strapped to it. Her diet consisted of vegan and wheat-free foods, and Sian, who is also an official mountain leader, said she fears she did not eat enough calories

Her mother Jane said: "We're thrilled she's back in one piece. So much planning went into this. I've not really kept in touch as we want to avoid hassling her. She can't take any risks. Every time she gets onto land she phones the coastguard, as she has a rough idea where she is and how far she'll go. Sometimes she does more than she planned.

"We're so immensely proud of her and so relieved she is back to safety."

Her mother said Sian loved swimming from an early age, and is happiest when she's on the water. Her father, Dennis, added that he is proud of her many accomplishments, including this feat, after "leaving behind the suits and offices in London" and pursuing her own outdoor dreams.

Anyone wishing to donate to her causes can visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sian-sup-around-wales