Paddleathon 2011 Wrap-Up
Thanks to your efforts our eleventh annual Paddleathon went off without a hitch last Saturday, May 7. It was our biggest paddle ever, more than doubling last year’s! With a beautiful day, perfect conditions and great community, 56 of us paddled from Wollongong to Thirroul, in the process raising our biggest total ever - a massive $10,000!
As the sun rose behind the Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse, car after car pulled into the parking lot and the registration line grew, filled with eyes equally eager, daunted and scared at what was ahead, but with a sky completely devoid of clouds, a soft offshore wind and a nice 4ft southerly swell, tensions were eased and everyone excitedly took to the water. With so many paddlers, conversations were quickly struck up, making the task that bit easier. The crew on stand-up paddle boards shot forward with ease, but took time catching the odd wave and sticking with the group.
The major hurdle of the 15km distance was once again the Bellambi bombies, and paddling out and around took some time, not necessarily becasue of the ditsance, but because the grommets were keen to hurl themselves into some very sketchy waves. The first to give it a go was one of the oldest grommets of the lot, Sandon Point Boardriders president Jason Gava bravely took to a pitching set with his SUP, stroking in easily before realising the bottom was about to drop out and heading flying over the falls. Scarborough grommet Kieren Anderson backed it up quickly, paddling in on an old rescue board, straight over the falls into 1ft of water with no leggie. Crazy kids!
The final half came easily to most with thoughts of sharks not far from the mind taking a straight line from the bombies to Thirroul, any sight of land far, far inside. Thankfully none were seen and after a paddle through Sandon Point with cheers coming from those surfing, all paddlers gathered together just outside of the waves at Thirroul. As noone had really seen the size of the swell yet, when the final call the charge into the beach came a large set took everyone by surprise and had many flailing over the falls, much to the entertainment of the families and friends gathered on the beach to congratulate everyone coming in.
It was a great event that could not have been possible without the gracious support of the Coledale SLSC and Volunteer Coast Guard giving up their time yet again, along with the ever-faithful Dickie Barton bringing ‘Percy B’ for the 11th year in a row. Each year a lot of effort is put in by many to make the paddle happen, from the organizing, to the safety and water support, land support, and especially those digging their arms in for 3 hours straight. It’s a mission for everyone, but well worth the life-enablement provided for the children who so desperately need it, and we want to send out a huge thank-you to all those involved! A special shout-out this year to Matt Jolley Builders for sponsoring the t-shirts and providing us all with a great souvenir to show off. Also, you may have seen yourself in last Monday’s Mercury or in the Weekender this Saturday, we were stoked to have them cover it.
The money raised will be split between two great causes. It will first cover the sponsorship of the 5 kids pictured below for the coming year through Compassion Australia, providing them with food, education, shelter and clothing. The rest of the money will go to the continuing relief effort in Japan after their devastating earthquake and tsunami. Many there are homeless, orphaned and destitute; the rebuilding process is going to continue for years to come. We are stoked to be able to give a large donation to the work CRASH is doing in this process. Donations are still welcome! We’d love to see these impoverished children and the Japanese surfing community further supported. You can donate directly online via credit card by clicking here and noting ‘Paddletathon’ in the comments.
