Joe's 2016 Paddle Hits New Heights

The ninth Joe Way Paddle for Life kicked its ‘Sunset Session' on the beach in glorious sunshine at  Newquay Harbour.

The annual charity paddle has a great musical sunset session and this year's line consisted of The Steelers from Treviglas Community College in Newquay, Perranporth’s singer song writer Jamie Gifford and Newquay singer songwriter Emma Chamberlain with the Ten Bob Notes finishing the night in the Rowing Club.

The first paddle skydive was a huge hit for the crowds Ben, Dave and Andy Woods from the Cornish Parachute Club all jumped for FREE to support Joe's appeal, between them they have over 24,000 jumps.

Dave had a flag with Joe's face along with the paddle colours trailing behind him which was a great way to start the paddle and a real treat for the spectators.

Matt Way, Joe's Dad said; "We have been looking at doing the skydive for a few years as I’ve completed two tandem jumps with these guys and it all came together this year. Seeing the flag coming down from 2000ft made us all feel very proud of how Joe's story has inspired people and what the local community has helped us achieve over the last eight years to celebrate Joe's life."

Titan the Robot gave another spectacular show and storm troopers hung out at the photo bus giving spectators a photo opportunity to remember.

The paddle relay was won by Newquay Surf Life Saving with over 17 teams taking part.

The RNLI race was one of the fierce to date with Fistral taking the Relay and the Joe Way Memorial Cup.

The Paddle event has a lot of local business support and great raffle prizes and the Way family would to thank the following people: Cornwall Surf Life Saving, Newquay Surf Life Saving, Lusty Surf Life Saving, Perran Signs, P&J print, The Garage Co, Newquay Fruit Sales, Hutton hire, SW Hire, Skinners Ales, The Rowing Club, Callestick Ice Creams, Bookers of Newquay, Ultra Entertainment, Anton Roberts, Frontline Security, Beach safety team, Newquay Activity Center, Water safety provided by Cornwall Surf Life Saving, Newquay Harbour Sports, Harbour Master, Coastal Crepes, Christian Surfers, Newquay fisherman, POW Energy Water, Ben Skinner, Tom Butler, Newquay Lions and all the family and friends who helped and supported the event.

The raffle and Crowdfunder page were supported by Saltrock Clothing, Boardmasters, Retallack Aqua Park, Surfers against Sewage, The Garage Co, Ben Skinner, Tom Butler and Osprey surfboards.

The following charities also supported the event The Wave Project, Children's Hospice Southwest, Cornwall Air Ambulance, Cornwall Hospice Care and Surfers Against Sewage.

This year's event is looking at a total of £5000.00 with final amounts coming in and will be given to various charities in the coming weeks.

Matt continued; “It has been great that Cornwall Surf Life Saving has taken over the water safety which has taken the pressure off and allowed us to look at new ideas such as the skydive. As a family we are very proud of how the town has made this event so special and we are looking forward to our tenth event next year.”

To see photos of the 2016 Paddle for Life CLICK HERE.