Tim leads the Relief effort

PADDLE4RELIEF is a small, North Devon charity dedicated to helping Sri Lankan victims of the devastating 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.

Lineup caught up with founder Tim Tanton as plans for the 2010 Paddle were announced.

As a regular visitor to Sri Lanka for 12 years, Tim was shocked by the damage the tsunami caused to popular surf spot Arugam Bay, a village on the south-east coast of Sri Lanka, and vowed to help.

It was while paddling from Saunton to the Point with surfing buddy Paul Martin that inspiration struck and the Paddle was born.

"We were just brainstorming the whole way," he said. "So many people were killed, we were determined to help and it's not stopped."

Tim has returned to A-Bay every year since to help deliver targeted aid that has improved the lives of villagers.

"Tourism is the lifeblood of the area, with outstanding point breaks and numerous other waves it is a tropical delight," he said.

"The main strip was rebuilt fairly quickly, but look behind that and many people don't have the basics we take for granted.

"We've helped to build fresh-water wells, essential for crop irrigation as well as drinking, built toilet blocks, installed water pipes, repaired cafe roofs and helped rebuild the local pre-school."

Surfing provides the visitors the area needs to keep recovery on track and Paddle4Relief have donated boards and equipment as well as setting up a swimming club and getting kids involved with the sea.

"There is some real talent out there, but they haven't had access to equipment," said Tim.

"We got a container of donated boards and other equipment sent out last year and hope to do the same this year.

"We rely on the generosity of surfers and companies for these donations and this year hope to collect some rescue-boards to take to the fledgling surf life savers we are helping."

The Paddle is the charity's main fund-raising event. It involves paddling from Saunton Sands to Croyde and back.

The popularity of the event has grown and this year looks set to be the biggest yet.

It is usually a big, fun family day at the beach with music, Norm's famous barbecue and a sociable paddle round the Point and back. But this year, in a bid to attract more paddlers, organisers are hoping to add a competitive element.

"We've always said this is not a race, but people are competitive and with the success of events such as Brighton's paddle round the pier we thought it would be a great way of getting more people involved and spreading the word," said Tim.

"We rely on local businesses to donate prizes and are sure they will do us proud again, but we are looking for as much support as we can get.

"We have set an ambitious fund-raising target for 2010 but with the help of the surfing community we feel it's achievable."

So make a date in your diary, Saunton Sands, Sunday, May 30.

Paddle4Relief have announced partnerships with top surf site A1surf and author Penfold Crockett. A percentage of proceeds from his new book, Papersurfer, will be donated to the charity.

Paddle4Relief are always looking for more help.

"Volunteers are welcome and we are currently looking for legal help to help us jump through the various Charity Commission hoops," said Tim.

"If you've got something to offer, be it time, experience, equipment or skills, we'd love to hear from you — please spread the word."

You can e-mail Tim at tim@paddle4relief.co.uk for further information and visit the Paddle4Relief website.

● Croyde Surf Club's next meeting will be at the Manor Pub on Tuesday at 7.30pm. Plans for a North Devon League will be on the agenda.