Paddleboarders battled strong winds to say upright at Wakeup Docklands in the Royal Victoria Dock, Newham and raise over £3,000 for the Wave Project charity.
The award winning kids’ charity aims to help young people reduce anxiety and build confidence through surfing.
Jason Bergin, from WakeUp Docklands said all 14 participants enjoyed the paddle but it was not an easy challenge.
“There was a strong SW wind behind us on the way there which made it easier on the way out but gave us a hard time coming back,” Jason said.
As a professional watersports coach, Jason, is a keen supporter of the Wave Project and believes the calm environment and concentration needed to surf are therapeutic.
He said: “It takes a lot of these kids out of their comfort zones – they probably don’t get access to outdoor space.
“That environment is stimulating and distracting and takes their minds off whatever worries they have got.”
The event was part of SUP4Life15, a series of events across the UK, raising funds for free courses for vulnerable young people.
Visit http://www.wakeupdocklands.com/ for information on paddleboarding.
Or http://www.waveproject.co.uk/sup4life for information on the Wave Project Charity.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here