Paddle Something Unusual
WHATS THE “PADDLE SOMETHING UNUSUAL”
It’s a race!!! Well kind of! It’s a race to be ridiculous and creative…
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 promoting itself and your CSR program, a group of friends, a pub or a football club etc
In previous years we’ve had everything from aeroplanes to cranes, from a bed to a shed – the only guidelines are to make it as ridiculous (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;
1) it has to be paddled manually
2) have a minimum crew of two (no maximum limit)
3) absolutely no propellers or engines of any kind other than fuelled by spinach (and beans)
4) You must ensure that is seaworthy and capable of making it! That’s it!
not quite to plan!
You will be heading all the way round the old West Pier-remains so please ensure that the craft is capable! It will be the most ridiculous craft to actually make it that will win (as judged by our Water safety Boat crews/ & Paddle director and they all love a good laugh!)
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 – sinking quicker than the Titanic!) The most important thing is to choose something to represent your group/business. We are still looking for a team of undertakers to paddle a coffin, and Ann Summers to show us what their inflatable’s collection can really achieve!
If it floats – and it’s legal – you can paddle it!
Raising Money
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!
You will receive in return (as a way of saying thanks) a raffle ticket for every £20 collected in group sponsorship. £40 = two tickets etc. With the raffle prize fund being worth over of Twelve Thousand Pounds – everyone should be a winner!
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 Teenage Cancer Trust and Surf Relief UK, (see charity pages).
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 (3rd July) between 7 & 9am. All entries will be on display to the public for ridicule – sorry admire- before the event.
12noon Start
12noon Sunday 8th – 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!
Who to contact
Paddle Something Unusual
P-S-U Co-ordinator is Sam and you can reach him on;
psu@paddleroundthepier.com
General Inquiries
Dave Samuel
Paddle Director
+44 (0)7876 773923
david@davidsamuelassociates.com
NB – you will be expected to remove all parts of your craft from the beach after the event so please plan accordingly. Any debris left on site will be charged for its disposal. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
