Surfers Respond To Disaster

Over the weekend of 24th – 26th June 2005 the extreme sports mission organisation, Christian Surfers UK, held their 11th National Conference in Woolacombe, North Devon.  Over 120 surfers from around the UK and Ireland attended which turned out to be the biggest conference so far.  An amazing experience was had by all.

In addition to the Conference, Christian Surfers UK organised a Tsunami commemorative paddle circle at Woolacombe Bay to remember the victims of the disaster, which occurred 6 month’s to the day.  

Phil Williams, (National Director of Christian Surfers) has been heavily involved with the Organisation Tsunami Surf Relief UK, and represents Christian Surfers UK on this. He stated “ I thought we might have had up to 50 people in the water as it coincided with the Christian Surfers National Conference, but to double that with great support from the local community was amazing. Today was not about raising finance, but awareness that there is still so much to do”.  

The objective of Tsunami Surf Relief UK is to raise £100,000 to assist the community of Arugam Bay in East Sri Lanka, and Christian Surfers UK have already raised over £12,000 towards this.

The simple paddle circle was a tremendous success, with over 100 surfers involved.  The surfers were not only from Christian Surfers UK, but many locals also joined in to show their support.  Conditions were ideal, with no surf whatsoever. Once the circle was formed prayers were said for the victims and survivors, and a minute’s silence was held.   It must have been strange for those on the beach to see so many surfers arriving with a flat sea!

Christian Surfers will continue to support the area of Arugam Bay, on the East Coast of Sri Lanka, and currently have sent seven of their members to the region to help with building projects, school initiatives. In addition to this they are undertaking surf and swimming lessons to try to build confidence for the local youngsters. The photo to the left shows Christian Surfers UK National Director Phil Williams with some of the youngsters from Arugam Bay. This was the first time some of them had been back in the water.

More trips are planned and this follows on from Phil Williams visit back in February

Christian Surfers UK have numerous events up and down the coast this summer where they are working with the secular surf community in outreach.  

For further information about Tsunami Surf Relief UK, Christian Surfers UK or the events contact Phil Williams, or visit the website www.christiansurfers.org.
See also the Kernowyouth What's On Guide for details of events happening locally.
  

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