Barbados Defending World Champs
Hi Friends!
Thanks for stopping by to learn about our fundraiser.
We are hoping to send our team, Paddle Barbados (PB) to Fuschl, Austria at the end of August to defend their World Champion status in the Red Paddle Co. Dragon World Series Race Event. Last year the event was held in Barbados, and team PB dominated their home waters. We want to get this impressive team of talented and athletic young Barbadians to Austria for this year's event, but we truly need your help. The flights alone for the 4 athletes will cost over $7,500 USD, and ground transportation, accommodation, and meals add an additional $3,500 USD. We are looking to raise $11,000 USD ($22,000 BBD) by July 23rd so we can purchase their tickets and get their accommodation booked. Our goal is for all of their expenses to be paid for. The travel dates are August 28-Sept 4th, and the event is August 31-Sept 2.
Last year, the PB team consisted of Adrian Howard, Jason Cole, Tremayne Walcott and Jacob Binema. This year, Jason Cole will be replaced with the equally skilled, and maybe even stronger, Ramone Walcott ;-) We really would love to send this team to compete and experience an exciting week of paddling in Austria. They are super keen to race on the beautiful Lake Fuschl and have already started training.
Please help us give these fine men the chance to participate in this event. Donations can either be made through this page or in cash/cheque at the Paddle Barbados shop on Pebbles Beach. Cheques should be written to "Paddle Surf Barbados" with "Dragon Race Travels" in the memo.
Have a look below to learn a bit about each member of the PB Team. See what makes them true watermen and find out why they want to travel and compete in the Dragon World Series Event 2018.
For more info on the 2018 Dragon World Series Event, visit the event page.
For a recap of last year's event, read this article.
---------------------------------------------------------
ADRIAN HOWARD (Team Captain)
My father is a fisherman and with every opportunity I got I would try to learn more about the sea and go with him. My love for watersports has no limits, even now! I have done many things like ocean fishing, scuba diving, spear fishing, paddle around Barbados, kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, paddle surfing, paddle racing, downwind paddling and now the new thing is hydrofoil with a surfboard or a paddle board. I have been in many contests as well, but the one that stands out most is winning the world championship title with Red Paddle Co. at the Dragon World Series Event last year in Barbados.
Your support for our trip Austria means a lot to me. The funds raised will enable us to travel a long way to represent Barbados and defend our world title, and I'll be forever grateful for that.
---------------------------------------------------------
TREMAYNE WALCOTT
I'm not just a drop in the ocean, I am the ocean in a drop. Being in and around the water has always been a form of enjoyment for me, whether it's spearfishing, kayaking, swimming or just a casual beach day. What I think sparked the most passion is when I started Stand Up Paddling. For me, SUP is the best watersport in the world. With enough time and determination many dreams can be achieved associated with the sport. I've come a long way in the SUP community, from paddling with a broken wrist, asking for pointers and coming in last place in competitions, to being a full-time SUP instructor and the local SUP surf champion.
It means a lot me to go to Austria to defend our World Champion title, not only for my personal benefits, but to meet others in the SUP community and observe how the ocean and SUP have impacted their lives, and to actually get the opportunity to represent my country.
---------------------------------------------------------
JACOB BINEMA
I am 16 years old and a fish in water. I was born to be in the sea, forced to live on land. SUP and sailing are my favourite sports. I live for the weekend, racing boats, and SUP and a little surfing. It keeps me fit and focused. I am looking forward to the opportunity to defend our title against countries such as Russia, USA, Canada and Australia.
---------------------------------------------------------
RAMONE WALCOTT
Watersports have impacted my life, good and bad. Bad, because all I ever want to do all day, everyday is be in the ocean (LOL). It was not hard for me to get involved because my grand father is a fisherman and has been for the majority of his life, and that's something he has passed down to all 16 of his children and grandchildren. Living 1 minute away from the ocean made it even easier. From a kid, I had a passion for the ocean,from fishing to spearfishing, swimming to teaching swimming, and from kayaking to paddling. What really got me into paddle boarding was my little brother, Tremayne. Seeing him tearing up everyone in a SUP race (even with a broken hand!) gave me a little inspiration to try. From the day I started I have not stopped yet. So to make a long story short, this is how much watersports have such a big influence on my life!
Going to Austria would mean a lot to me, not only for the experience but also to represent Barbados and to help the boys defend and bring home the title for a second year!
---------------------------------------------------------
PHOTOS FROM DRAGON WORLD SERIES 2017 IN BARBADOS
