TAVISTOCK College Surf Academy is to return to Meadowlands Leisure Pool for its annual sponsored endurance paddle to raise money for new equipment.
More than 20 students from the academy – run by teacher Pete Keegan and Dan Kinsman – will try to beat last year's seven mile record on Saturday from 5 to 7pm.
Pete said: 'Using foam surfboards, members of the club will participate in an endurance paddle against the clock. The challenge is to keep their boards in a constant state of motion at the highest possible pace. After two hours the distance is calculated and students will have to try to achieve their target of ten miles. That is more than half a mile per student in a very short amount of time.'
He thanked Meadowlands Leisure Pool who offered to host the event with full lifeguard cover at no cost to the academy. The students hope to raise £160 for a Go Pro board mounted video camera to help with surf technique analysis.
The young surfers are kept busy throughout the year —whatever the weather — with a variety of events which help develop their surfing skills, fitness and environmental awareness. The team trains in groups of five each week at local beaches.
'Keeping these young athletes busy while Britain experiences one of the coldest winters in 30 years hasn't been easy,' said Mr Keegan.
'We organised a beach clean at Whitsands in February with over 50 volunteers. Environmental awareness is key to developing a respect for the marine world.'
David Dennis, business manager at Meadowlands, said the centre was more than happy to welcome clubs and societies such as the Tavistock College Surf Academy to utilise its broad range of services.
To find out more about Leisure Connection and Harpers Fitness facilities on offer at the pool or call in ring 01822 617774.
* To sponsor the Tavistock College Surf Academy, please email [email protected]">[email protected]