Padstow to Rock Charity Swim

Saturday, 7th August

“We are back”, said Peter Tamblin, the Swim Coordinator and Swim Committee Chairman, at the pre-swim brief. It had been quite a struggle to respond to the pandemic, but the committee and additional helpers had been amazing. Peter continues, “The wind was a gusty westerly breeze, with early heavy rain, but improved by the afternoon and by start time there were occasional glimpses of the sun. The river was a challenge at the midpoint, especially for the Non-Elites, but was considered a doable swim. All swimmers were strongly briefed to follow the buoyed-out route and not try to swim a seemingly more direct route. So, at approximately 16.40, some 88 Elite swimmers set off in their red hats, creating quite a white water spectacle as they followed the lead Rib with Life Guards on boards, canoes and other safety craft all around them, to guide them across the just under one mile swim across the river Camel estuary. At approximately 17.10, it was the turn of the Non-Elites, who had viewed the progress of the Elites, and thus understood the importance of following the briefed course, to make their start. Off they went, some 202 of them, making an even bigger splash, although moving a little more slowly than the first Wave, again guided by the lead Rib and escorted by Life Guards on boards and safety canoes. They all made it across, though some needed a little help on the way, and all arrived at Rock with a feeling of great satisfaction and were given a tumultuous welcome by family and friends. This year, due to pandemic restrictions, it was decided not to award any trophies, but hopefully these would all be revived for 2022, and yes, we are already planning for 2022. The amount of money raised for Marie Curie is understandably unlikely to be anywhere near the mark of previous years, but we shall have to wait and see. We have already passed the half million mark for Marie Curie, an amazing achievement, so a heartfelt thank you to everybody. I would like to give my thanks to the amazing committee, and to the additional volunteers and sponsors,who have all stepped up to the mark. And of course to our very supportive sponsors: Mariners Lettings, The Seafood Restaurant, Sharps Brewery, Rock Rail, and The Harbour Hotel. Special thanks go to the RNLI at Rock, and the Padstow Harbour Authority, without whose help the swim would not have been possible. Also thanks to Padstow Town Council, Padstow Sailing Club, Rock Sailing Club, Rock Marine Services, Brandon Hire, Jo Downs Glass, The Night Ferry, Martin Broadfoot PA Systems, Sea Salt, Tatum Electrics, the Canoe Clubs of Wadebridge and St Austell, Spar, Bookers, Padstow Sea Cadets, In Safe Hands Medical Team,Newquay Water Sports, and of course all of you swimmers-thank you. See you in 2022 “