Paddle Against Poverty: Wollongong

Saturday, March 21, 2020

The paddle is on! We’ll be starting from Wollongong Harbour, with rego open from 7-7:30am, paddling by 8am.

We recognize that this is far from an ideal time for this to happen, but also that those we are paddling for need our support now more than ever. If anyone feels like they would rather not participate that is completely ok and if you have recently been overseas or are feeling unwell in any way we kindly ask that you do not attend.

We will have measures in place to comply with health recommendations and ask that all keep at least 1.5m from each other, especially during rego. There will be no bbq in Thirroul, but feel free to have family members meet you there with water and food. You may also bring food and water to store on the support boats and utilize during the paddle, however you will need to securely package and label it if so.

If you have any questions please let us know, otherwise see you bright and early tomorrow!

Paddle Against Poverty started with the idea that it wouldn't be hard for a handful surfers in the Wollongong area to give up a few hours and paddle a long distance to raise money to sponsor some children through Compassion Australia. Over the ensuing 20 years, the event has grown from a small handful to over 100 paddlers! Thousands of dollars have been raised for impoverished children in countries whose waves we exploit and where the people are often overlooked. This year we're aiming for $15,000, all headed towards food, shelter and education for children who need it to survive. Join in by paddling or donating and help make a difference! The event will take place on March 21, 2020.

If you want a unique challenge in surfing and would like to do something for impoverished children, this is a great chance make a world of difference!

Why?
Use your surfing to help others. Join in with Christian Surfers North Wollongong as they raise ongoing sponsorship for the ninteenth year in the education of five children through Compassion Australia (Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya) and contribute thousands more dollars towards unsponsored children the world over. This year all cash donations will go to Waves for Water to provide clean drinking water for those living without.

Who?
Anyone who wants to have a go, as long as they are of high school age (with permission) and above. Younger participants are able to paddle with direct parental supervision. We have had age ranges from 10 to 60 in previous paddles.

When?
Meeting at 7am, Saturday, March 21, at Wollongong Harbour and paddling to Thirroul. The paddle generally takes around 3 hours.

How?
Secure a rescue or racing board, stand-up paddle board or surf ski/kayak. Rubber Duckie and jet-ski support, along with larger boats, will accompany us and paddlers can rest on board. A support vehicle on land will be available driving alongside and paddlers can exit the water at any point. Mobile phone contact is maintained throughout.

Preparation
Access a board or ski (contact your local SLSC via a member). On the day bring sunscreen; food and water; rash shirt or light wetsuit (a full steamer will likely be far too warm!) A BBQ lunch will be provided at completion on the beach.

Waiver
If you are under 18 you will need to have a parent or guardian sign a waiver. Waivers will be available on the morning, but if your parent or guardian is not dropping you off, please make sure you download and print the waiver and have it signed and with you or you will not be able to paddle. Download the waiver here.

Sponsorship
The easiest way to raise money is by signing up with Everyday Hero and raising funds online, the instructions for this are below. You may also raise sponsorship by self-funding, but all cash must be collected on the morning of the paddle and we recommend a minimum of $120 for an individual or $200 for a family - though the sky is the limit! Make any cheques payable to 'Christian Surfers'.

Instructions for signing up with Everyday Hero:

• Go to Everyday Hero

• Create your page title (normally just your own name) and a target amount to raise

• Add in your personal details and log-in with Facebook or email

• Go to our team page and click on 'Join this Team'

• Share your supporter page link with as many friends and family as you can!

We know this side of things can be a little confusing but we appreciate your effort. Contact us if you have any trouble.

Online registration is now closed, but you can still register tomorrow morning when you check-in at Wollongong Harbour from 7-7:30am.