The eighth Joe Way Paddle for Life gets ready to hit the beach on Thursday 18th June at Newquay Harbour and this years backers are signing up.

Actor Ben Richards who has been a long time supporter of the paddle took time out of his holiday in Cornwall to sign some Paddle posters for the prize draw and to get the PR started for the 2015 event.

Ben who beat bowel cancer several years ago and is the patron of Bowl Cancer UK which is one of the many charities supported by the Paddle said; "It's great to be back in Cornwall and we are enjoying our break at Retallack Resort and Spa, this year's Paddle for Life will be the biggest yet with five bands and an estimated four hundred paddlers taking part so make sure you get the 18th June in your diary".

Ben's partner, TV presenter Kirsty Duffy, who is expecting the couple's first baby in March also signed the Paddle posters and will be lending her support again via social media.

Ben had a master class on the Flowrider which they both tried last time they were in Cornwall.

Matt said; “We are grateful for the continued support of Ben and Kirsty as it raises the profile of the event along with the generosity of the Cornish people on a national level and its this sort of support that has helped raise more than £128,000.00 over the last seven years".

“We are the only FREE music gig which is held in the harbour and the paddle is all about the community coming together, celebrating Joe’s story, raising money for over 20 great causes and showcasing the Newquay spirit. As a family we are very proud of how the town has made this event so special”.

The paddling starts at 4pm and the last registration for a heat is 6pm so there is plenty of time to arrive when people have finished work, the Joe Way memorial RNLI lifeguard race is just after 7pm. Boards are provided with lots of help from Newquay and Lusty Glaze Surf Life Savers so all you need is your wetsuit! Swimmers, SUP’s and canoes are also welcome.

Robie Robes are supplying their latest waterproof changing robe for the safety team at next years Joe Way Paddle for Life in Newquay Harbour.

Robie Robes is the brainchild of Martyn and Tamsin Tarplee who both grew up on the beaches of West Cornwall, surfing, sailing, diving, swimming and rowing. With the rapid growth in ocean sports and with wetsuit technology enabling families to stay in the sea all year round it seemed ridiculous that people were struggling to change with just a towel.

In the Autumn of 2007, they designed a robe that would take the hassle out of changing whilst keeping them warm, dry and covered. Since then they have not looked back and the Robie Robe has become a kit bag essential for all those who love the water and the great outdoors.

Matt Way, Joe's dad, said; "we are really stoked to have this support. The safety guys spend up to 5 hours in the water and although the weather has been great the last couple of years, we have had rain setting up and  packing down and the Pro Max is the Lightest waterproof changing robe in the world so its perfect for the event".

The prize draw has also been started off with a top of the range  Robie Pro Max for one lucky winner with more prizes to be announced in the new year.

link: http://www.robierobes.com

Fistral beach was the scene of festivities on Saturday 13th December with over 30 surfers taking to the water on the sunny Decembers day to compete in a seasonal surfing competition for the Joe Way Appeal.

All competitors donned Santa outfits and took foamie surfboards to the water for the festive event. With the sun shining, spectators saw seasoned competitive surfers, to those in their first contest compete in both an Open cottony for men and women and an U16 category.

Zac Milnes made his way through the heats to win the U16 category and Matt Sutherland took the win in the open.

Event organiser Jenny Briant said "everyone really got into the festive spirit with lots of Santa outfits managing to make it through the whole heat. It was great to see so many people take part in the event and raise money for the Joe Way Appeal, we are already looking forward to the events return in 2015."

The event was supported by ERA Adventures, Fistral Beach Surfing Centre, Tolcarne Beach, Bon Bon Fistral, On The Lip, Perran Signs and PJ print.