Stand Up for Safe Water Paddleboarding Fundraiser Makes Waves in Bristol

On 4 July, Frank Water hosted its flagship Stand Up for Safe Water paddleboarding fundraiser, bringing together teams across the South West for an afternoon of fun, team-building, and paddleboarding. Held in Bristol Harbour, the competition featured participants from local businesses including Arup, Bath, and Bristol Regional Capital (BBRC), CO2Balance, Pieminister, and The Bart Ingredients Company, paddling to raise awareness and funds for safe water access in marginalised communities worldwide.

Frank Water, kicked off proceedings in partnership with SUP Bristol with an inspiring message about the organisation’s mission and the importance of water security. “Access to clean, safe water is a basic human right that too many still lack,” Lizzie Archer, Corporate Partnerships Manager emphasised. “Events like these not only raise essential funds but also increase awareness and inspire action within our local community and amongst our network of supporters.”

Throughout the day, participants enjoyed three rounds of paddleboarding challenges, competing with each other to win the coveted, Stand Up for Safe Water shield.  Due to the strong winds, the event format had to be adapted with SUP Bristol quickly redesigning the challenges with safety being the top priority. 

Local legend, Jenny Jones – Britain’s first winter snow medallist, securing a bronze medal in slopestyle, kindly took time out of being a busy mum to co-compere and was an instant hit with the participants while keeping the large crowd that had gathered outside The Cottage Inn informed with live competition update.

Despite the gusty conditions, the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all, made even brighter by Frank Water’s long-term supporters, Pieminister, who generously distributed their delicious new line of Handy Pies to competitors and spectators.

In between the challenges, Jon Shepherd, Frank Water’s Head of Programmes and Funding explained the importance of water security to participants: “Everyone who took part today, raising vital funds, will ensure more people affected by climate change have access to safe water for life, by developing the tools, and training villagers to sustainably manage their water resources in India, Nepal, and Kenya.  Thank you so much for your support”.

Congratulations to our prize winners:

1. First place: Co2 Balance’s ‘CO2 Unbalanced’ – the winning team took home the SUFSW shield and Planet Earth 3 concert tickets 
2. 2nd place: Arup’s ‘Surfs Up’ team – was awarded a £100 Turtle Bay voucher
3. 3rd place: Map Impact’s ‘Clean Stream Dream Team’ – will enjoy a £75 Boston Tea Party voucher.
4. Best Fancy Dressed Team was won by Bristol and Bath Regional Capital (BBRC) ‘Barnacle Bill’s Rogue Crew’ – received a Bird and Blend tea mixology workshop voucher for 4 people.
5. Stand Out Paddler of the Day – Catherine Ellis from Pieminister’s ‘In the Gravy’ team – winning a 3-month subscription from Restore Cafes house blend coffee.

Winning team CO2balance’s representative said: “We’re absolutely chuffed to have taken part, and even happier to walk away as the champions! We’ve only recently opened our office in Bristol, so we were excited to participate in an event like this, hosted by a local Bristol charity in the heart of the city whose work is truly inspiring.  A massive thank you to Frank Water for enabling us to contribute to an important cause in a fun, informative and rewarding manner”.

So far, Stand Up for Safe Water 2024 has raised nearly £5,000 for Frank Water’s projects, which focus on improving water quality, sanitation, and hygiene in remote and underserved regions. Proteus Marine Renewables have alone raised an incredible £1,154 towards this total. The funds will support initiatives that educate communities on the health impacts of unsafe water and empower them to advocate for better water systems.

Frank Water would like to thank all partners for gifting all of the amazing prizes and goody bags including Bird and Blend, Boston Tea Party, Boundless Activated Snacking, Kabuto Noodles, Restore FKP Scorpio, Ocean Saver, and Turtle Bay.

SUP Bristol, Butcombe Brewery, and Pieminister also played a significant role in the event’s success, demonstrating the strong community spirit that Bristol is known for.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm of all participants taking time out of their busy work schedules to support our fundraiser,” said Lizzie Archer, Frank Water’s Event Lead. “Their support enables us to continue making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.”Frank Water extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, volunteers, and attendees who made Stand Up for Safe Water a rousing success.