Joe Way joeway.co.uk

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