Ryan Paddle for prevention hits the Merimbula Classic
Just some of the paddlers who'd come out to see Ryan
That's what happened to Ryan Fulton as he rounded Short Point in Merimbula on Sunday. And it warms your heart to see such an overwhelming response from the stand up paddlers at the event.
Ryan's Paddle for Prevention has so far taken him from the Gold coast, down past Coffs harbour, Batemans bay and now Merimbula as he makes his way to Melbourne. The epic paddle is all in aid of the Heart Foundation, and aims to raise both money and awareness about how easily heart disease can be prevented.
Earlier this week Ryan posted a quick report on Facebook about the trip so far, which really drives home the magnitude of such a paddle:
"In 20 days i have spent close to 180hrs on the board travelled 1,096km seen 4,567,892 jelly fish 50+ whales 13 dolphins, 5 turtles, 1 sea snake and 1 shark. I have lost 6kg and a phone. In 5 days i will be spending my birthday somewhere between Mallacoota and Lakes Entrance hopefully with perfect conditions. In close to 15 days time i will have completed another 886km and be entering the final section of my journey."
After arriving in Merimbula on Sunday, Ryan was pretty stoked at the reception, again taking straight to Facebook:
"Wow Merimbula as I came around the headland today I was greeted by close to 200 SUP riders, I am lost for words and what a day the reception I received from everyone at the 32nd Merimbula classic was one in a million. Thank you to everyone for your donations and support looking forward to tonight attending the awards dinner as a special guest."
Alison Fullagar was part of the crowd, saying later that night:
"Was great to see you come in and the reception with all the paddlers was definitely and awesome sight with the 200 sups to greet you! Hope you enjoyed a well deserved rest this afternoon and a relaxing night at the Merimbula presentations!"
Keep on paddling Ryan! If you'd like to donate to his cause, you can do so here on the Everyday Hero website.
crib point, VIC
