Surf Relief UK Announces 2010 Cross Channel Charity Paddle
Five hardy surfers are raising funds for Surf Relief UK, one of the country’s leading surfing charities by paddling surfboards across the English Channel. Weather permitting the first attempt will be made on Monday 27th September. This is the first time a team of individuals have attempted a cross channel surfboard paddle for charity. This is the first time a team of individuals have attempted a cross channel surfboard paddle for charity.
The surfers will set off from Dover attempting to paddle the 26miles to the north coast of France. Given the tidal movement and channel currents experts estimate the actual length of the paddle will be 30miles – a 6-7hour challenge for those taking part. The paddlers are being provided with specialized 12ft Bennett Paddle Boards kindly donated by Aqua Sport International, and supported by a number of Sponsors including Big Blue Surf School, Christian Surfers UK, Thanet Leisure force, Orbit and Woodys Surf Ammunition.
The aim of the paddle is to raise £5000 for the Charity’s Surfable project. This project provides disabled children and young people with surfing experiences through a network of surf schools across the UK . The money raised will give 600 children a unique and often life changing experience. Reflecting the charity’s aim to provide these lessons in all corners of the country the team is made up from representatives from Cornwall to Kent .
The paddlers will set off from Shakespeare Beach Dover on the 27th of September (weather permitting) with the aim of reaching Cap Gris Nez on the French coast some 6hrs later.
The Paddlers taking part are:
David Manley – Chairman Surf Relief UK, 46 years old from Devon. ‘The children the charity works with face many challenges in life – doing this small challenge for them is a pleasure. Please support us in our efforts in using surfing to change young people’s lives’.
Toby Young – Surf Instructor, 23 year old from Kent but living in Cornwall. ‘Working with disabled children for Surf Relief UK has changed my life and organising this event is way of keeping this work going’.
Dave Melmoth – Surf School owner and instructor, Joss Bay, Kent. ‘With the help of Surf Relief UK, I have provided many surfing lessons for disabled children with your support for this fund raising event this work can continue’.
Phil Williams – Director Christian Surfers UK , and Trustee of Surf Relief UK, 49 years old from Nailsea, Bristol. ‘My passion for the charity continues, and this sounded like a fantastic idea to raise awareness and funds by enthusing others to support the cause. Looking forward to the challenge’.
Kirk Lee, also taking part, is a surf instructor from the Brighton area.
