The Eddystone Surf Paddleboard Challenge

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Two safety boats monitored the paddleboarders' progress

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A father has attempted the longest continuous paddle in UK waters to raise cash for his daughter's school.

Paul Hatton left Wembury beach, near Plymouth, on a paddleboard to get to the Eddystone Lighthouse and return to the Devon shore at Bantham beach.

The 39-year-old surfer from Thurlestone finished the 30-mile (48km) trip in just over eight hours.

He was joined by Liam Krige, 27, and Stefan Little, 21. Liam retired after reaching the lighthouse. <!-- E SF -->

Paddleboards differ significantly from surfboards. They are about 17ft 6ins (5.3m) long and are specially designed to keep the body out of the water.

The paddleboarders, who were only able to use their arms for propulsion, left Wembury at about 0900 BST on Thursday.

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The 30-mile paddle took about eight hours instead of a planned 10

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After finishing at Bantham at about 1700 BST, Mr Hatton said the trip was "hardest thing I've ever done in my life".

He said: "The conditions were atrocious. We got to the Eddystone after the first 12 miles and we were running into the wind and swell as well."

Two safety boats followed the three paddleboarders, taking Mr Krige when he decided to retire.

Despite the exhaustion, Mr Hatton said he was glad he had succeeded in finishing and hoped he had raised about £5,000 to refurbish Pearson pre-school.

August 19 2008

Surviving The Waters for Pre-School’s Survival.

A 30 mile marathon paddle from Wembury to the Eddystone Lighthouse
August 26 or September 6/7 weather dependent.

A father from Bantham is attempting to brave the English Channel and complete the longest continuous paddle in UK waters to raise vital funds for his daughter’s pre-school.

39 year old Paul Hatton whose daughter Niamh attends Pearsons pre-school in Thurlestone in the South Hams will be joined by RNLI lifeguard Liam Krige and Wembury based surf instructor, Stephan Little on the 30 mile trip riding little more than a 15 foot stick of fibre glass.

The route begins at Wembury and goes via the Eddystone Lighthouse returning to Bantham beach.

Paddle-boarding involves propelling a long board through the water solely using ones arms, without the use of paddles or oars, most commonly used by lifeguards on rescue boards during the summer.

Pearsons is a charity and relies heavily on fund raising activities to operate. As a small rural pre-school in an area of high retirement and second homes the financial pressure lands on its committee and parents to keep this important local resource flourishing. Paul and his team hope to raise upwards of £3,000 to put towards a major refurbishment of the building.

Maya Plass from the Pearsons Committee says, “Many of our parents rely on us to provide pre-school care for their children but we do need the youngsters in order to survive. We have a great resource here for local young families, let’s hope we are still around for the next generation! We wish Paul, Liam and Stephan all the very best, our thanks and a successful mission”

Notes to Editors
For more information, go to www.pearsonpaddle.co.uk
For Radio and Television interviews please contact (Sian Hester on 01548 560339 or 07814 303922) However, pre-recorded broadcastable footage of the team in training in mini DVD format will be made available if you wish to use it.
Still images are also being provided for newsdesks if needed.
Sponsors of the Eddystone Paddleboard challenge are Tri-Ocean Surf, Guardian Care Services, Big Blue Stuff, Grape Vine IT, The Wolf Rock Boat Company and the Sloop Inn, Bantham.

More information
Paul Hatton a 39 yr old father and keen surfer is no stranger to long distance paddles having conquered the 22 mile stretch between Dover and Calais in 2002. Paul is a Registered Osteopath and between family, surfing and training for the paddle, enjoys growing his own veg.
Liam Krige has worked locally as a professional RNLI lifeguard for 8 years, supervising the South Hams RNLI team. Liam is also a keen surfer and fisherman and has devoted his life to safety on the beach and will be a huge asset on this endurance paddle.
Stefan Little the youngest member of the team at 21 has grown up surfing the south coast. He has been a successful competitor and surfing Instructor and currently works within the surf industry. He enjoys paddle-boarding and with age and infectious   enthusiasm on his side will keep the older paddlers going should they start to flag.
The essential boat-side support will be provided by local sailor Steven “The Swan” Hardwick and Bantham Harbourmaster Marsh Dawes in the vessel Katrina. They will navigate our course through the dangerous channel tides. We will be looking out for a weather window between the end of August until the end of September 2008.