Roger and friends are undertaking an amazing feat. We are so proud to support them as they raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund. Find out more about their epic paddle below…
The journey
Myself and 3 other friends plan to complete the 24 Mile English Channel Crossing by Stand Up Paddle board (SUP) in around 8 hours, to commemorate the fifth anniversary of losing someone very close to Pancreatic Cancer. We will be raising money for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund (PCRF), to help fund research to improve the current 3% survival rate and ultimately find a cure.
We will set off on our boards from Rye Harbour then complete the 24 mile journey, via Dungeness to Boulogne in France, crossing the busiest shipping lanes in the world, navigating past some huge ships travelling at 20 knots, supported by Will from Full throttle boat charters.
We all had our first paddle board lesson on 24th March 2019, 17 weeks before the big crossing, W/C 22nd July 2019 and are still busy training, we have had great support from the guys at Bluefin and will all be using the new Cruise Carbon 12ft, which has amazing stability in the bouncy sea!
The Cause
If you aren’t too tired of charitable giving then we would be grateful for as little as £5, via JustGiving at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thomas-hazelden2019
A note from Bluefin: Due to weather, Roger and Team are now crossing mid-September. So, keep you eyes peeled on our Social Media for pictures and to follow their journey.
So, what are you doing, and why?
Team ‘Safari Njema’ have completed an annual challenges, to commemorate the anniversary of losing our Dad, Grandad, Grandpa, friend to Pancreatic Cancer. Last year cycling from London to Paris non-stop with no breaks – we are always looking for fresh challenges, this year we will complete the 24 Mile Channel Crossing Between Rye and Boulogne Stand up Paddle Boarding, we will be raising money for Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund (PCRF) to help fund more innovative research to improve the current 3% survival rate and ultimately find a cure. We would welcome any donations.
Who is undertaking this paddle?
Thomas (Ted’s Son), William (Grandchild), Rob & Roger (Friends) Supported by our crew Will from Full throttle boat charters with his 7.4m rib.
Where are you launching from? Where do you land?
We will launch at the Harbour in Rye then complete the 24mile journey, via Dungeness and heading out across the English Channel crossing the busiest shipping lanes in the world, to our final destination Boulogne Harbour in 8 hours!
When is it taking place?
Mid September. This trip has had to be postponed due to the horrid weather!
How are you training for this event?
We all had our first paddle board lesson on 24th March 2019! 17 weeks before the big crossing W/C 22nd July 2019 and are busy training, in Weir Wood Reservoir in East Sussex, on the South coast near Hayling Island, and on the Cambridgeshire rivers – so far the furthest we have travelled ion one go is approx. 12 12 miles, aiming to do an 18 mile trip before the main crossing – let’s hope the weather improves.
Why are you paddling Bluefins?
Having looked at a number of boards we felt these were the best mid-range priced boards out there with great reviews, the company was very proactive and offered great help and advice with board choice and many other things
We wish Roger and Team Safari Njema all the best in their trip.
If you would like to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thomas-hazelden2019
If you would like to know more about the 12’ Cruise Carbon: https://stand-up-paddle-board.net/product/bluefin-sup-cruise-carbon-stand-up-inflatable-paddle-board/
