Sponsored by Triocean surf, Big Blue Stuff, Grapevine IT, Wolf Rock Ribs.

Surviving The Waters for Pre-School’s Survival

A 30 mile marathon paddle from Wembury to the Eddystone Lighthouse
End of August / Early Septmenber

A father from Bantham is attempting to brave the English Channel and complete the longest continuous paddle in UK waters to raise vital funds for his daughter’s pre-school.

39 year old Paul Hatton whose daughter Niamh attends Pearson pre-school in Thurlestone in the South Hams will be joined by RNLI lifeguard Liam Krige and Wembury based surfer, Stephan Little on the 30 mile trip riding little more than a 15 foot stick of fibre glass.

The route begins at Wembury and goes via the Eddystone Lighthouse returning to Bantham beach.

Paddle-boarding involves propelling a long board through the water solely using ones arms, without the use of paddles or oars, most commonly used by lifeguards on rescue boards during the summer.

Pearson is a charity and relies heavily on fund raising activities to operate. As a small rural pre-school in an area of high retirement and second homes the financial pressure lands on its committee and parents to keep these important local resources flourishing. Paul and his team hope to raise upwards of £5,000 to put towards a major refurbishment of the building.

Mays Plass from the Pearson’s Committee says, “Many of our parents rely on us to provide pre-school care for their children but we do need the youngsters in order to survive. We have a great resource here for local young families, let’s hope we are still around for the next generation! We wish Paul, Liam and Stephan all the very best, our thanks and a successful mission”

Local companies sponsoring the challenge include Triocean surf, Big Blue stuff, Grape vine IT and Wolf Rock Ribs as Gold sponsors, South Hams Signs, Magic Seaweed, Luscombe Organic drinks, Burts Crisps and Discovery Surf School as silver sponsors as of 14/08/08.

To donate or for more info go to www.pearsonpaddle.co.uk

More information
Paul Hatton a 39 yr old father and keen surfer is no stranger to long distance paddles having conquered the 22 mile stretch between Dover and Calais in 2002. Paul is a Registered Osteopath and between family, surfing and training for the paddle, enjoys growing his own veg.

Liam Krige has worked locally as a professional RNLI lifeguard for 8 years, supervising the South Hams RNLI team. Liam is also a keen surfer and fisherman and has devoted his life to safety on the beach and will be a huge asset on this endurance paddle

.
Stefan Little the youngest member of the team at 21 has grown up surfing the south coast. He has been a successful competitor and surfing Instructor and currently works within the surf industry. He enjoys paddle-boarding and with age and infectious enthusiasm on his side will keep the older paddlers going should they start to flag.

The essential boat-side support will be provided by local sailor Steven “The Swan” Hardwick, local boat builder Lawrence Woodward and Bantham Harbourmaster Marsh Dawes in the vessel Katrina. They will navigate our course through the dangerous channel tides. We will be looking out for a weather window between the end of August until the end of September 2008.

www.pearsonpaddle.co.uk