The 29th September is the first anniversary of the Samoan tsunami, a disaster that claimed many lives in the small island nation. Shortly after the event a group of Australian surfers went to Samoa to assist in the process of rebuilding. They received no government or corporate help, but did it on their own.

This same group of surfers wish to go back to Samoa to further help the locals.

To commemorate the anniversary and also raise money for the trip a group of surfers plan to paddle across Sydney Heads - from Camp Cove to North Head Quarantine Station - on Saturday 25th September. The event is not a race. At some point in the paddle the surfers will form a ring, hold hands while sitting on their boards and commemorate the disaster.

The surfers will also be joined by Polynesian NRL players Nigel Vagana, Matt Utai, Roy Asostasi, Isaac Luke as well as Jay La'agaia, who will paddle an outrigger canoe.

Afterwards there will be a gathering at the Steyne Hotel at Manly from 2-5pm, for a cost of $20 per head entry ($5 per head for those of Polynesian descent). There will be a raffle and some prizes to give away, including a Formula Energy surfboard from Gary McNeil and a steamer from Ben Lucas at Six Ounce Surfboards in Bondi. The entry fee buys you a ticket in the raffle.

Each surfer taking part in the paddle is trying to raise money via public donation. 100% of the moneys raised will go towards sending another group of people to Samoa to assist in its rebuilding. The aim is to raise over A$10,000 in sponsorship. Those people who donate or sponsor a paddler for $100 or more whose details are provided to us will be put into a draw to win 2 great prizes: 

1. A 7 day stay for 2 people in an ocean view fale at Sinalei Resort in Samoa (excluding airfares and taxes)
2. Passage for 2 people on the "Arimbi" boat charter for 11 days in the Mentawai Islands off Sumatra (excluding airfares and taxes). 

Persons who wish to donate can make a direct deposit into the following bank account held in trust for the Event, making sure they specify their name as a donor:

• Account Holders: Reg Barton & Adrian Bouris
• Account Designation: Groundswell Sydney Heads Paddle (not essential to type in)
• Bank: Australia & New Zealand Bank
• Branch: Sutherland
• BSB no.: 012 430
• Account no.: 269 813 565

For further information please contact Reg Barton on 0412 829 100 or myself at Swellnet: 9tuart@swellnet.com.au