A big VOCAL thank you goes to Simon McGuire and Adrian Kerville for their heroic fundraising efforts.

These intrepid paddlers set out on their ‘Paddle for Peace’ fundraising adventure on the 5th of November 2009. Their brave and inspirational journey began in Byron Bay and ended at Newcastle Horse Shoe Beach on the 16th of November – a gargantuan 600km!!   Their kayaks are so small and low in the water that you could barely see them across the entrance to Newcastle Harbour, which gave a whole new understanding of what they had achieved. 

During their adventure they had encounters with dolphins, whales, a sting ray, sharks, rough sea, thunderstorms, and treacherous winds.

Thank you to the members of the Volunteer Marine Rescue (Coastal Patrol), the wonderful people at Wooli VRA who not only provided support for our paddlers but hot drinks, homemade muffins, and showers (Simon said it was one of the best cold showers he has ever had!), and all those who made donations.

Much appreciation to Tom Nicholson from Elver Paddles who made Simon’s greenland paddle and generously donated the proceeds of the paddle to VOCAL.

Also thank you to Peter from EPIRBhire who assisted with supplying Simon and Adrian with a reduced rate on their Personal Locator Beacons (PLB’s),and to Rob Mercer from Expedition Kayaks who donated a full day of training in Sydney which was invaluable in getting Simon and Adrian ready for the trip.

Much appreciation to Nutcase Helmets who generously donated a water sport helmet, and to Rob Mercer from Expedition Kayaks who donated the fabulous kayak paddle, and to Bob Mitchell from Rafta Kayaks (who made Simon’s kayak the Sea Leopard) and donated an impressive water sport vest, and several pairs of sun glasses. VOCAL will be auctioning these items via E-bay in the New Year.

Another trip was planned for 2011 from Newcastle to Mallacoota (an epic 650kms). This is temporarily on-hold. Please contact VOCAL for further information.

The brave adventurers Simon & Adrian