52miles24hours charity surfboard paddle for DiabetesUK

At midnight on 30 Dec 2024 as winter starts to firmly grip our shores 2 slightly crazy surfers from Bournemouth (Chris Howard and Craig Sharp) will be departing Bournemouth Pier on a 52 mile prone paddling endurance challenge for charity navigating some of the south coasts most treacherous waters. Taking place over 24 hours this remarkable event aims to raise awareness and funds for Diabetes UK to support their incredible work.

The event will be testing every element of their capabilities as both surfers and watermen, relying purely on their arm strength, physical and mental stamina to fight through the 52 miles in biting cold and ever-changing conditions. The added layer of complexity is that half the journey will be conducted in the hours of darkness: this has led to months of trial and error, testing equipment and board set ups to allow them to navigate, stay warm and safe, and fuel themselves (self-sufficient if required) over an 18-22 hour journey. As is often the case the simplest solutions have been the best with head torches, compass and iPhone for GPS navigation…and most importantly a Bluetooth speaker for morale through the dark hours. All of this kit is arranged and distributed over the two 14ft Bark Commander prone paddle boards, on which the lads have taken down over 70 miles of training both in daylight and darkness. A welcome late addition to the team is south coast windsurf charger and all round legend Oscar Shaw who will be SUPing with the lads for the return leg bringing much needed rejuvenation of spirits!
 
Although this is an incredible challenge and personal test for the guys, it's main focus is supporting the 4.9 million people in the UK living with diabetes, a cause close to both of their hearts with Craig's son Ash being Type 1. Diabetes UK provides essential resources, research funding and advocacy for those affected by the condition. This event aims to highlight the importance of courage, resilience and community – values shared by both water sports enthusiasts and those facing the daily challenges of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Last year 37% of essential research into diabetes cure and treatment went unfunded and its our aspiration with your help to reduce that number!
 
Choosing to host the event in the depths of December is no coincidence. This is a time for reflection, resolve and a readiness to embrace new challenges and break limits; alongside a reminder of the struggles faced by those with diabetes navigating the festive season temptations while managing their health. For the guys this manifests itself as 8-10 degree water temperatures, thick wetsuits, potentially gale force winds, and rough seas. Safety is as high priority for the team as completing the miles, with a support rib being kindly provided by Chris Frost (Frost and Co Estate Agents Parkstone), emergency radios, survival equipment, emergency beacons and a detailed safety and emergency plan in place to mitigate as many risks as possible. There will be a live Strava feed so if you see them drifting off the France call the coastguard!
 
The South Coast community has pulled together massively to support the boys with physiotherapy provided by Laura at Performance Plus Recovery in Poole, chiropractor treatment from Ollie Harris, Paige Critchley and Daniel Murphey providing graphics for promotional posters, Nigel Broughton co-ordinating media communications, and Nolan Hammond and local shredder Oscar Johnson providing photographic services. Local businesses have lent in with promotion and donations from Bermuda Triangle Pub, Camden Pubs, Katie Fox Estate agents, Poole Harbour Water Sports, Down the Line surf shops, Sorted Surf Shop, The Dancing Moose Ashley Cross, the Goat Café, West Quay Chandlery...and of course massive thanks to Steve England and the legendary team at Carve.

If you are interested in supporting the team or getting involved and joining them in the water for the Bournemouth Bay legs, follow their training and progress on Instagram @52miles24hours. Donations to this great cause can be made at www.justgiving.com/page/thereandback (link on the instagram bio). A detailed route plan will be published on the Instagram feed prior to the event for anyone wishing to spectate.

52 miles over 24 hours is a call to action: know diabetes, fight diabetes: a symbol of what can be achieved when passion and community spirit collide – wouldn't it be quite the thing in the future when a cure is found for all of us to say hey, together we were a part of that.
 
Team Members:
Chris Howard
Craig Sharp
Oscar Shaw
 
Event Date: 30 Dec 24 – event window 26 Dec – 1 Jan.

Others Details

Category: Community | Fundraisers | Charities