A woman has set off on an epic 1,000km voyage to circumnavigate Wales on a stand-up paddle board.

Sian Sykes set off from Connah's Quay at 12.45pm on Tuesday and caught the rising tide to Chester.

From there Sian hopes to use inland rivers and canals to navigate her way along the Welsh border to the the River Severn and open the sea at the Bristol Channel.

Sian said she is carrying enough supplies on her 12-foot board to last for ten days but she hopes to finish the journey in two months.

"I'm raising money for Surfers Against Sewage, North Wales Wildlife Trust and the RNLI," said Sian who is originally from Llangollen but now lives in Llangaffo on Anglesey.

"It's also my goal to raise awareness of single use plastic, marine litter and the plastic pollution crisis.

"I'm hoping to cover 35 kilometres a day, depending on the conditions, and I've allowed two months for the whole trip.

"I'm apprehensive about the journey and I'm pleased the Beast from the East has finally gone.

"I'll be wild camping along the way and people can follow my progress on my Facebook page @SupAgainstSup.

"I've been training hard for it and it's all come together and I'm pleased to be on my way," she said.

Sian will be paddling a Starboard paddle board which weighs 15kg without the 10-days rations and spare clothing strapped to it.

Local fan Glyn Hughes from Connah's Quay said he came down to the dock to wish Sian all the best for her journey.

"I've been a fan for a while now and followed Sian on Countryfile and when she paddled around Anglesey," said Mr Hughes.

"It's great to see her doing this trip and it will promote Wales and a lot of good causes.

"My daughter Elizabeth used to swim for Wales and I will encourage her to take up paddle boarding," he said.

Also on the dock to see her off were Sian's mother and father Jane and Dennis Sykes.

Mrs Sykes said she and her husband were "immensely proud" of their daughter but had some concerns for parts of the voyage.

"I'm not too worried about the canals and rivers but she has to go through the Bristol Channel which is very fast flowing," she said.

"There are military firing ranges around the Welsh coast and they have been brilliant with us especially in Manorbier.

"We are very proud of her and she gives 100 per cent to everything she does in her life," she said.

Sian has a Just Giving page for anyone wishing to donate to her causes www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sian-sup-around-wales