The surf was pumping and the sun beating down as the paddlers for the twelfth annual Paddle Against Poverty arrived one-by-one bright and early on Saturday morning. As is usual for the event, the diversity of paddlers quickly became apparent as tiny, 13-year-old bodyboarder Darcy King registered directly before a group of much larger and older Bulli boys, including Sandon Point Boardriders president Jason Gava, a veteran of the pro surfing tour. They in turn were followed up by India Davis and Sophie Peatman, two 14-year-old girls, both of whom have only recently taken up surfing. Read full article at http://paddleagainstpoverty.org/

Paddle Against Poverty Manly – Dee Why 6km

19^th Nov 2011

Thanks to ALL who paddled, supported and donated to today’s Paddle Against Poverty! Crazy fog and a massive pod of dolphins added to the experience!

About Paddle Against Poverty Manly-Dee Why

As a surf community we are coming together to use our energy, boards and actions to voice our opposition to poverty! We are using the funds raised to practically to support World Vision Hunger project in East Sumba.

Surfers have always been passionate about caring for the environment and those in need. It is with this generous spirit and passion in mind that together we want to rally the Aussie surfing community to raise their voice and send a clear message to their communities and the Australian Government that we want more done for the poor in our world.

The East Sumba district in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) Province is one of the poorest districts in one of Indonesia’s poorest, least developed provinces. People who live there rely on dry land farming, which is highly dependent on good weather conditions for success. Today, East Sumba is experiencing a heightened food crisis, blamed mainly on prolonged drought and worsening weather conditions, as well as environmental degradation. These conditions have disrupted the planting season and caused harvests to fail. The dry season is longer, bringing extreme heat that kills crops.

Rainfall is heavier during the wet season, and has swept crops away. Food shortages are common and many children suffer from malnutrition. World Vision has been working in East Sumba for a number of years, mostly supporting long-term community development projects. But the people are stalled by this current food crisis. World Vision is helping the people of East Sumba to improve their livelihoods by introducing more sustainable farming techniques, making healthcare more accessible, and increasing the quality of education.