WHAT IS THE “PADDLE SOMETHING UNUSUAL”?
In previous years we’ve had everything from an aeroplanes to a cranes, from a bed to a shed – the only guidelines are to make it as outlandish (but safe) as possible, raise plenty of money – and have a spectacularly good laugh doing it!
Who can paddle? Everyone can enjoy the land based activities of the festival but for common sense sake we ask anyone who is taking part in the water to be able to swim a minimum of 100 metres in the sea. What to paddle? The rules are simple;
Remember – It’s not the fastest to go around but the most Unusual!!! Ideally suited to promote your business or local pub, Entrants in the past have tried a wooden picnic-bench with balloons (successful!) to a metal filing cabinet (unsuccessful – going down quicker than bank managers pension fund). The most important thing is to choose something to represent your group/business. We still looking for a team of undertakers to paddle a coffin, and a double glazing group to prove just how water-tight their windows are with a boat made from their double glazing!
It's all in aid of three very eligible charities so pick –up a sponsorship form right now from your local surfshop (or download it here) and do your bit! Please note all sponsorship money must be handed-in at registration on either the Saturday or the Sunday Morning - Where the money goes Money raised is equally split three ways between the RNLI, The Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice and SurfAid International. Safety - In and around the water Your safety is of paramount importance to us. We have many support craft (ribs) in the area (including two lifeboats) with divers and medics aboard, approx 30 Water-safety-officers on surfboards and canoes lining the route, plus we operate a buddy system in the water with anyone who is not so confident being shadowed by someone who is. We don’t want to nanny you but for the PSU we strongly recommend lifejackets. Getting some publicity for your efforts! The media love an “Unusual” event so obviously the more outrageous, avant-garde and downright silly your entry, the more publicity you stand to gain! With international press expected, your “craft” (thus your business) could be plastered all over the worlds press by the next day. What will happen on the day? Because of obvious parking restrictions; You will be expected to deliver your vessel down to Hove Lawns early on the Sunday morning (5th) between 7 & 9am. All entries will be on display to the public for ridicule – sorry admire- before the event. 12noon Sunday 5th – all craft must be in place on the Paddle Village beach ready to enter the water for the float test (only when you can show that your entry will float with your merry crew at the float test will you be allowed to continue out to sea!). This provides the perfect photo opportunity and is immensely popular with the crowds. Getting to the beach/parking You will be responsible for your own delivery/collection. What to do next Register now online and get your sponsorship form by contacting PSU@paddleroundthepier.com . Remember there’s the possibility of you wining some excellent raffle prizes such as canoes/wetsuits/surfboards/clothing etc for all the sponsorship money you raise – The event is continually growing so don’t forget to regularly check the website for exciting updates. Hope to see you in the water! The sea and beaches off Brighton has never been so much fun!
Paddle Something Unusual P-S-U Co-ordinator psu@paddleroundthepier.com General Enquiries Dave Samuel |
The “Paddle Something Unusual” event is the perfect opportunity for those of you less stable in the community to exercise their creativity and join in the paddle. You could be a business, a group of friends, a pub or a football club etc 
Raising Money
Who to contact
