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Well-known Kiwi faces and personalities are getting behind this year’s Starboard Paddle for Hope festival in an effort to raise funds for Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Trust.
Among the large group of celebrity Paddle for Hope ambassadors are radio and TV presenters Helena McApline, Stacey Morrison, Peter Urlich, Jo Holley, Nicki Sunderland and Jennifer Bainbridge, Olympic Gold Medallist sailor Jo Aleh and world champion triathlete, Hamish Carter.
Team registrations for the annual stand up paddle boarding festival, which is taking place at the newly-developed St Mary’s Bay, in Westhaven, Auckland on November 1st, are now open.
In its 4th year, the 2014 Starboard Paddle for Hope fundraising event is a family–friendly festival which includes have-a-go stand up paddle boarding lessons, yogaboarding, hula workshops, sprint racing and a fun teams SUP relay.
Starboard Paddle for Hope event director, Victoria Stuart, says that teams of four can take part in the event by paying a registration fee and fundraising online, and be in to win a trip for the whole team to Hawaii thanks to sponsor Hawaiian Airlines.
“The money raised will pay for men and women affected by all types of cancer to participate in the Pinc, Steel, and the new PaddleOn Cancer Rehabilitation Programmes,’ says Ms Stuart.
Founder of Pinc and Steel, Lou James, says that rehabilitation is hugely important after a cancer diagnosis, and can help people living with physical impairments after treatments.
“Cancer rehab can not only improve your quality of life, reduce side-effects and improve your long term health, but can also reduce your chance of cancer recurrence or developing a new primary cancer,” says Ms James.
To celebrate Pink October, the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Paddle for Hope is also hosting three paddle boarding sessions and wellbeing workshops on Tuesday 14th October between 6.30am and 2pm.
Called ‘Keep Calm and Paddle On”, the workshops, hosted by two time breast cancer survivor Karin Horen, offer fun and educational wellness advice from special guest speakers alongside a healthy menu created by nutritionist and “Cancer Coach” Kaytee Boyd, and a paddle boarding lesson.
“A number of our celebrity ambassadors will be taking part in these workshops as well as the actual November 1st festival,” says Ms Stuart.
“I encourage all people entering Paddle for Hope to also take part in these October 14 workshops to help them prepare for the festival on November 1st ,’ says Victoria.
The Keep Calm and Paddle On Wellness and SUP Workshops’ are suitable for all levels.
“Paddle boards, a hot shower and laughter are all provided on the day for a small entry fee of $99 for the 9:30am – 11:30am or 12pm – 2pm sessions or $59 for the early morning express session from 6:30am-7.40am,” says Ms Stuart.
Registrations are essential for both events and places are limited.
For more information please go to http://www.paddleforhope.co.nz/. To register for the Starboard Paddle for Hope festival on November 1st visit http://www.paddleforhope.co.nz/get-on-board/register/ and to register for The Keep Calm and Paddle On Wellness and SUP Workshops’ visit http://www.paddleforhope.co.nz/get-on-board/keep-calm-and-paddle-on/.
