On a day with clear skies and bright sunshine more than 70 people took part in the inaugural Thames Stand Up Paddle Board Challenge, and all completed the four mile paddle from Kew Bridge, finishing with an after party at Linden House in Hammersmith.
The event was hosted by the Ticket to Ride Group, and was to raise money for the Isiqalo Foundation, a dynamic and pioneering Cape Town based charity that uses surfing and the ocean to develop life skills and create opportunities in some of the most impoverished communities.
“We simply could not have asked for better conditions! Places on the day were over subscribed, everyone involved had a lot of fun, and we managed to raise a good amount for this amazing charity. We are already looking forward to running it again next year, and have lots of plans to make it bigger and better! ” commented Ticket to Ride co-founder Linley Lewis.
In a mixture of attire from Baywatch outfits to more streamline rash vests, the 70 participants completed the course in little under one hour, with a great atmosphere on the iconic river. Henry Cunningham was awarded the prize for the fastest individual, and prizes were also given to the fastest team, best dressed, and biggest fundraisers. The day culminated in an after party at Linden House in Hammersmith concluding as the sun was setting, and the barrels of Harbour beer were suitably empty.
The event raised £2000 for the charity, and the organisers and hoping that post event donations will take this figure to £5000.