The Big Paddle

Because the school my grandsons attend is situated on the Tairua Estuary, water sports such as sailing, kayaking and surfing are very popular and most of the children are involved.
One of the main fundraising events is Paddle for Humanity, where the children, parents, grandparents, or anybody who wishes to, are involved in a sponsored paddle from the mouth of the estuary near the surf beach down to their school three or four kilometers away.
Today was the day, so before heading for home we attended the The Big Paddle.
This photo is at the beginning of the event where kayakers, paddle boarders, surf skiers etc, are starting their adventure. My daughter and grandsons are just getting underway, with Poppa in the white hat, standing by to give them a launching shove.
It is a great event and continues at school with a bar-b-que and live music. There was a great community atmosphere and fun; all for a worthy cause.