Joe Way

This year’s event saw a footfall of over a thousand spectators for the second year running and nearly 400 paddlers of all ages and abilities taking part in the 200m, 1km fun paddle, 1km relays and the RNLI memorial cup to do their bit to raise money for some of the 20 charities now supported by the Joe Way appeal.

The weather was at its best as the town along with holiday makers turned out in force to support the annual fundraiser. Steel Appeal played on the beach as families enjoyed picnics and watched the action in a Caribbean atmosphere

This year’s event saw a footfall of over a thousand spectators and over 300 paddlers of all ages and abilities taking part in the 200m, 1km fun paddle and the1km relays, to do their bit to raise money for some of the 20 charities now supported by the Joe Way appeal.

The sunset sessions kicked off with Ben Sutcliff playing on the harbour stage, followed by The Strawdogs and then finishing in the rowing club with Jethro Baines which was a great show case for the best of Cornish music.

Matt Way said “five years ago we had no idea how we would cope with the loss of Joe. However in the middle of the beach watching the hundreds of paddlers, listening to the music, watching our volunteers and seeing the thousand plus spectators it became clear to me that you learn to live with the loss with the help of others and we are extremely lucky to have so much support”.

Newquay Activity Centre's expert coasteer leaders lead the fundraising coasteer group towards Newquay's Gazzle near Fistral beach to leap into the cool Cornish seas. All coasteer participants paid £10 to enter and all proceeds will go directly towards helping young Newquay surfer Jaide Lowe fulfil her surfing dreams and represent her country.

Paddle for life video 2011

Singer James Morrinson supports Joe's appeal

Surf and Music Gig raise money for Cornish Foundation

The ETL international longboard competition was held for the second year running at Watergate Bay, the two star event on the tour was headlined by O’Neill and organized by local surfer Ben “Skindog” Skinner who has just returned from Ireland with the European title.

The final saw a UK head to head with O’Neill team riders Skindog and Adam Griffiths battling it out in a close heat which saw Adam taking his first ETL win.

Ben Skinner said “It’s been a great weekend although the conditions of the surf have been tough, all the sponsors of the event have done an amazing job and we have once again put on a great showcase for British surfing”.

Ben skinner who is one of the ambassadors for the Joe Way Appeal which has raised £93,000.00 for 20 charities in the 3 years since Joe passed away also put together another Joe Way Appeal fundraising event to the weekend of surfing.

The Phoenix Pub at Watergate hosted this years event and the line up was the best of Cornish music which saw Charlie Wingfield, Grey dog and Ben Sutcliff show the European visitors how vibrant the music and surf scene is in the UK.

The money this year is being donated from Joe’s Appeal to the Matt Upsher foundation which was set up after the well know teacher and musician from Perranporth tragically died last year whilst surfing

His Brother Tom spoke about his brother and introduced Grey Dog which is the Band his brother played with, Tom said "My brother had a soul that reached out to so many people, his passion and enthusiasm was infectious, and it is this spirit we hope to continue, with the work of the Matthew Upsher Foundation.

We are delighted to have been invited to work with The Joy Way appeal, and are extremely thankful that the Foundation is the chosen beneficiary of tonight’s event. Its great to have the support of The Joe Way appeal, Ben Skinner and all of the people that have worked so hard to put together such a great event. It gives us all such a sense of positivity that we can come together and raise the awareness of the Foundation."

Ben added “Matt taught me how to play the guitar and was a real soul surfer he is deeply missed so to be able to donate some money to his foundation is a real honour”.

£1145.00 was raised with an auction and prize draw that saw great prizes from O’Neill Clothing and Wetsuits, Skinners ales, Perranporth signs, 100% organic and a local artist Martin Hawkes who donated a print on the day which was taken away by one of the French competitors.

Matt Way Joe’s Dad said “It was a great night and we are really grateful for the generosity of all the Companies that gave such amazing prizes and the people who gave money. It was a really privilege to meet Tom and work with the musicians who all knew his brother. Steve Skinner did a great job with the auction and just as we thought it was all over a local guy donated £100 to have a surf lesson with Skindog”.

For more information and to see the PODCAST from the gig go to www.joewaypaddle.co.uk

This summer Hendra also has Europe’s only mobile Flowrider, located on the park for the next 6 weeks. It is an exhilarating water-based ride suitable for thrill-seekers of all ages, which means we will be bringing some great waves to you over the Boardmaster’s event and all summer! The Flowrider as well as surf lessons at the UK and European champion’s Skindog surf school are discounted for Hendra guests or you can try both for just £35. You can enjoy this unique and fun experience from as young as 6 years old.

Ben Skinner, of Skindog Surf School, said: “Hendra’s surf connection is really great for families. I know how important a good accommodation experience needs to be when you’re on holiday with your family, so this partnership with Hendra is ideal for people to stay at a high end holiday park whilst enjoying the relaxed feel of beach life. The Flowrider is another reason to come to Hendra; I’ve tried out the ride and it is a lot of fun and suits kids and adults of all abilities.”

Nike 6.0 boardshort bar is backing a Cornish fundraising appeal which was set up in memory of 4 year old Joe Way from Newquay.

The boardshort bar is open for the next couple of months in the centre of Newquay and has been designed and fitted out by a local company.

You can go in and see the latest Nike 6.0 surf tour information, have a free photo both experience which can be downloaded to your facebook page and design your own boardshorts on one of the apple Macs in the store.

You’re shorts will ready for you to walk out with while you wait and it’s a great concept, rather than looking through racks of shorts you simple design what you want and away you go.

Another great concept is the surf wax game which is a great fun. Its been designed for the store and you pay £2 to pull the leaver watch the wax drop through the 6ft Perspex enclosure hitting pins as it drops down. On the back of each bar of wax are the words “try again” or what prize you have won.

For every purchase the full £2 will go to local Newquay based charity “The Joe Way paddle for life” which has raised over £92,000.00 in three years since the Newquay toddler passed away.

Joes Dad Matt Way said “This is a great concept and we are really excited about being involved. At the opening party people where getting addicted to it, we are sure its going to be a great hit for adults and kids whilst raising money that will go back into the local community”.

If you’re in Newquay and you want to have some fun or need to buy some wax then check out the Nike 6.0 store in Bank Street.

Link to Nike 6.0 FB group http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/Nike6SurfUK

Newquay Mayor Andy Hannan linked up with local business Wavecrest scuba to see Newquay from a different perspective.

Wavecrest Scuba is a PADI 5 star Instructor Development Dive company based just a few miles from Newquay, Cornwall's surf capital.

Wavecrest offer a complete range of courses from trying out the sport in heated pools to the highest diving instructor levels. They offer a free transport service to dive sites and lunch so the whole family or groups can be catered for.

They also operate a dive shop and hire business all run from the school which is based just outside of Newquay.

Owner Diving instructor Mark Rayner and his team put the Mayor and his wife, Barbara through some intense pool training ready to then get them out in the open sea off the headland all in one day.

Andy Hannan said ‘this was the first time Babs and I had ever tried scuba diving and I was a bit apprehensive at first but Mark and his team really put me at ease.

I was amazed at how much gear you have to wear but once we got in the water the fun really started. The sea was really clear and I managed to see a few fish although I missed catching a glimpse of a spider crab that passed below. This is certainly something worth trying out if you enjoy swimming and being in the sea.

Andy Hannan was joined by Paddle for life organiser Matt Way and Dean Woods who also made a trip to the sea bed with Joe’s banner which has been all over the world.

Matt Way Joe’s Dad said “The training was really good, I’ve been trying to make the time to do this for years. This is the sort of experience locals should try its not just for holiday makers. We would like to thank Mark and his team who where also the first people to take a banner under water three years ago when we started the idea”.

Newquay Mayor rides the waves for charity

Newquay Mayor Andy Hannan has raised more money for his chosen charity “The Joe Way Appeal” this time going to the Newquay surf life saving club.

Joe Way, who was born with a rare genetic condition, was labelled a 'miracle boy' after surviving meningitis, a potentially deadly skin reaction, and numerous superbugs as well as complete organ failure. He died three years ago, after a rapid deterioration in health.

His website has been set up to tell his story, raise awareness of his conditions and help raise money for 20 charities mainly at the now annual Joe Way paddle for life.

The Loop Flowrider at Retallack resort and Spa hosted the UK championships this weekend attracting the cream of Europe’s flowriders and surfers.

The team at the loop invited Newquay Mayor Andy Hannan to come up and try Cornwall's fastest growing extreme sport to help raise funds for his chosen charity the Joe Way appeal.

Mayor Hannan was delighted to have the opportunity to raise funds this time for the Newquay surf life saving club and was joined by some of the members in a flow riding session.

Andy Hannan said “This is a great facility and another example of how businesses can attract people to Cornwall. We had a great time and I would highly recommend this as a great family day out”.

A raffle was held with surf lessons donated by the Quicksilver surf school at South Fistral

Mayor Hannan will be at the Japanese car show at Hendra Holiday Park this Sunday which is raising money for Shelter box in aid of the people of the Japanese earth quake

Matt Way Joe’s Dad said “we would like to thank the team at the flowrider for giving us this opportunity and their continued support with Joe’s appeal”.

If you would like see the Flowrider PODCAST or read Joe’s story then go to www.joewaypaddle.co.uk for more information about the Flowrider go to www.retallackresort.co.uk