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A team of 4 surfers from Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight will embark on a gruelling 52-mile prone paddle journey, navigating the treacherous Jurassic coastline largely under the cover of night on New Years’ Eve. 

The mission is to raise maximum awareness and funds for Diabetes UK to contribute to the work they do providing care, support and advice to millions of people, helping them to manage their diabetes well. Criag’s young son and one of Chris’ friends have type 1 diabetes, as well as others in the local surf community so it is a cause close to their hearts. 

They will paddle through freezing choppy seas, against tide and waves, with only the faint glow of distant lights and the moon to guide them until dawn sees them round the headland at Peveril Point. The daylight will see them safely navigate the South Purbeck coastline around St Albans head before reversing course at Kimmeridge and racing the daylight back to safer waters.

Bournemouth pier to Kimmeridge Bay and back in 24 hours – if you know the lads you know they’ll get it done. Two years ago they took down a 26 mile paddle from Kimmeridge to Bournemouth in support of front line medical support to disaster areas (specifically the humanitarian crisis at the Ukraine border) – this time its there and back.

This attempt is a tribute to the friends and loved ones whose lives are affected by diabetes. The bravery to face the uncertainties and challenges that those living with the condition overcome, and the hope for a brighter, healthier future.

The charity campaigns for change so people get the best treatment and standards of care and funds groundbreaking research to help some of the greatest transformations in diabetes care, and help save lives.

We’d all like to say a huge thanks for any support the surf community can give – hopefully together as a community we can make a little difference and keep the research and support going. To donate click here.

We would like to say a massive thanks to:

Studland Watersports: Water safety

Ollie Harris: Chiropractor support

Performance Recovery: Physio Support

Team Members:

Chris Howard

Craig Sharp

Louie Findlater

Chris Mannion

Event Date: 31 Dec 24 – reattempt in the new year if we face into a storm!