We did it! Our mission was to raise £1000 for the RNLI and we SMASHED IT! A huge thanks to everyone that pledged money for this awesome cause.
The sun shone on the 16th December as the staff teams from Newquay Activity Centre, Women and Waves, Bodyboard-Holidays and The Outdoor Activity Instructor Academy came together to paddle a good stretch of the Gannel against strong winds. Our aim was to spread Christmas cheer whilst raising money for a great cause. The RNLI are so important in keeping us all safe on the coastline, and they are entirely funded by charity, so it was important to us to show our support for all they do.
26 members of staff took part, all dressed in perfect Christmas style. There were Santa’s elves, reindeers, a Grinch, a power ranger, a dinosaur, a lava lamp and even a dog dressed as Rudolph. They embarked on the short paddle down the Gannel in the festive spirit- it was quite the sight!
This event was entirely organised by our Outdoor Activity Instructor pupils as their final project on the course. For the past three months, they have been learning all the skills required for a career in outdoor activities, and organising this event gave them the invaluable experience of putting together a challenging event, considering risk assessments, equipment needs, health and safety, Covid considerations, media, spectators, fundraising, and of course, working as a team.
This was a brilliant end to weeks of hard work and dedication from them, both out on the water and in the classroom. We have loved working with them and seeing them grow in their abilities, and firmly believe that each and every one of them is headed towards an excellent career and new lifestyle in the world of outdoor activity instruction.They put in a huge effort to make sure that this ran like clockwork, so a huge thanks and well done to them!
Director of Newquay Activity Centre, Rob Barber, had this to say about the event: “All four companies rely on our instructors and guests being safe in the ocean, so it was brilliant to give something back to the RNLI who have done such a fantastic job through 2021 of keeping the beaches safe. We are incredibly grateful for all the money that was pledged and know that it will be spent wisely. A huge thanks to all the staff team that took part, this was brilliant fun. We plan to make this an annual event.”
“We’re now looking forward to our next fundraising event, which is our annual New Year’s Eve coasteer where we will be raising money for the military charity SSAFA. Drop us a line if you’d like to join the fun.”
The day was filled with laughter from start to finish, and didn’t fail to entertain the many spectators who turned up to watch. After the paddle procession was the ‘Battle of the Bosses’: an opportunity for employees to pledge money towards the cause in order to take on their boss in a gladiator style, pugil stick battle. Scores were settled and money was raised to the delight of the onlookers.
We can’t wait to run this event next year. In the meantime, the Go Fund Me page is still live, so it would be great to keep pledges coming in if possible. To donate to this great cause, please visit Go Fund Me and search “Santa Stand Up Paddleboard”, or go to the link:
www.gofundme.com/f/newquay-activity-centre-santa-sup-in-aid-of-rnli
If you didn’t make it to our charity SUP, don’t fret. We’re now gearing up for our New Year’s Eve Charity Coasteer! If you want to leap into 2022 in style, drop us a line or call us on 01637 877722