JOEBY`S STORY.

I first came across Paddle 4 Relief back in 2008, when they had a stand outside Tiki surf shop, promoting the cause. I was curious, so spoke to Tim, who told me that they were raising money for the victims of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, which I had long forgotten about. What caught my attention more than anything was how they were doing this by means of a sponsored surfboard paddle from Saunton to Croyde and back.

WHAT! HOW FAR!!!

This to me was the stuff of super humans, definitely not the stuff of a land locked, slightly overweight 40 something artist. I remember saying to my wife Helen, that there is no way I could do this, but THE SEED HAD BEEN SOWN!
At this time , my weekend surf trips for myself and my buddies didn`t include much paddling, more walking out than paddling to catch a wave from chest high water, unless it was a small day, so if I was going to be a better surfer I needed to improve my paddling.

I made myself a promise that day, to myself, and my family that in 2009, I would do the paddle.
I started training myself by paddling at every possible moment on my weekend trips to Saunton, which soon told me that this 48 year old chubby artist had perhaps bitten off more than he could chew! My arms were empty by the time I got to the line up.  

OOPS!!!

I realised I had a long way to go before I would be anywhere near able to do the paddle, so in November 2008 I joined my local gym, told them what I was planning to do and they targeted all the muscles that now ached from my newly found need to paddle.
I let all fellow gym users know why I was there, for two reasons, if I didn`t turn up on a regular basis on those cold February evenings then I would be missed and have to face ridicule, and also to get them to sponsor me in my quest.

NO BACKING OUT NOW!

Spring arrived with the promise of warmer water and sunny days. My weekend surf trips had been transformed. On the right days I could join the line up and still have enough energy to chat. (Those who know me, know I like to chat) My surfing was improving. 

RESULT!

Paddle day was here, the sun was shining, and spirits were high. As I put my leash on I felt the first pangs of nerves, but don`t fret, I was only going for a paddle with some friends.
The paddle went as expected as conditions were so good. I like many others fought the temptation to turn, and take some of the sweet waves, and paddled through the breakers to form our first commemorative circle. After one minute of silence to remember all the lost souls to the Tsunami it was time for head down, and a steady measured pace. Rounding the point was a real buzz and will stay with me for a long time. We reached Croyde and formed our second circle of remembrance.

NOW I FELT LIKE A SURFER! 

Being this far from shore is really good for your water confidence.
We turned about and headed for Saunton and the BBQ. Rounding the point it started to hurt (but I just focussed on the sausage that was waiting for me) it was down to me to keep paddling so I chose to knee paddle for a while to use different muscles. I looked back and realised I had passed the white house and was nearly back in Saunton’s line up, which is always a good place to be.
I joined the line upland with just enough left in my arms picked my wave and rode in to shore.

WHAT A FEELING! I HAD DONE IT.

I felt elated and proud to be a member of a special group of people, who have all helped a bit in our own small way.
Why not join us next year and do some good, become a better surfer and feel really good about yourself.     

GO ON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!!!!!
                                               
One STOKED JOEBY.

p.s. Tim, thanks for a great day and for being such a great inspiration.