Surf’s up for river paddle challenge (From Malvern Gazette)

Source team is planning to travel the length of the Severn

6:50pm Wednesday 20th February 2013 in News By Neil Watts

FIVE people will paddle the distance of the river Severn to highlight the importance of the country’s waterways.

Dean Broad, of Warndon Villages, Worcester, is part of the Source 2 Sea team planning to paddle the length of the river Severn on stand-up paddleboards in just nine days.

While covering the 220 miles from its source to Sharpness Docks they will record, highlight and advertise the importance of the river and wildlife to its surroundings from Saturday, April 20. Mr Broad is tackling the challenge along with Rob Yates, Tristan Bawn and Tony Bain, while George Bush will act as their support driver.

The 40-year-old started surfing aged 14 and his love affair with the river began when he surfed the Severn Bore at the age of 17.

Mr Broad said: “We re all pretty outdoors people. It has never been done before on stand-up paddleboards and we want to show people that they are pretty easy to use.

“It’s going to be a challenge but it will be a good laugh, too.”

He expects the team to cover at least 25 miles per day. They are expected to spend about eight hours on their feet, and to date their training has mainly taken place on canals as the river has been in flood on and off since November.

One of their first challenges will come when they test the boards on Jackfield Rapids, near Ironbridge, in Shropshire, in the next couple of weeks.

They will also be raising funds for the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA), Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK and Parkinsons UK.

Information is available on facebook.com/Sou rce2Sea2013.