The great BIG Paddle Parade… could we set a new world record in Torbay?
Calling all paddleboarders! The RNLI is supporting a paddleboarding world record attempt, and helping to get messages about paddleboard safety out to as many paddleboarders as possible.
Many of the RNLI's ‘shouts’ in the south west over the past 12 months have involved paddleboarders caught up in unexpected difficulties - often for reasons that are simple and predictable, like hazardous off-shore winds, or rotating tidal currents. The RNLI in Torbay is teaming up with English Riviera and WESUP to share water safety information with as many paddleboarders as we can possibly gather, in beautiful Torbay.
Paddleboarders from across the region will be brought together in a celebration of the sport, and an attempt to break the world record for the largest number of paddleboarders gathered together in one location. Paddleboard instructors will be on hand to answer questions on technique, the RNLI will provide information on water safety, and you can share adventures and discover secret new places to visit with fellow paddleboarders who know the area.
Weather permitting, it will involve different setting-off points and distances to paddleboard around Tor Bay. The event starts at 8am off Abbey Sands, and more paddleboarders will be added at later starting points on the way round to Brixham’s Fishcombe Cove, where we aim to bring together over 1,000 participants and perhaps smash the world record. Paddleboarders can choose and book their preferred starting point and time. For more details, please visit facebook.com/paddleparade
Tickets for the day cost £15. If you’re interested, you should book as soon as possible, because the different starting points are filling up fast!
All profits are being donated to RNLI Torbay who are co-hosting the event.
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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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