Paddle Round the Pier

We spoke with Paddle Round the Pier event co-chair Rob Pelling about the evolution of the festival from its humble beginnings 23 years ago.

Since its inception in 1996 Paddle Round the Pier has grown into the largest FREE charity beach festival in Europe. The annual event is now a firm fixture on the in Brighton and Hove events calendar, taking place on the beautiful Hove Lawns. The festival now features the very best in water, street & urban sports, live music and family focused entertainment. Over the years the organization has raised over £300,000 for local causes and I am really excited to be a part of this dynamic volunteer lead team.
Two years ago PRTP took the step to become a charity. This means we are now able to award grants to a greater number of organizations and groups.

Our charitable aim being:

1. The promotion and participation in safe, amateur water sports

2. The advancement and education in water safety & lifesaving techniques
Paddle has always appealed to surfers and water-sports enthusiasts, but it seems we just can’t stop people wanting to get involved. With all the usual suspects from Surfing, Kayaking and Windsurfing, to all new sports like Stand-up Paddle Boarding, Kite-surfing and more.

Well before the now more widespread publicity surrounding single use plastics, the impact of large events on the environment is something that PRTP takes very seriously. Since 2012 PRTP has been trying to minimise the use and has taken some great strides to this effect. Since 2017 we began encouraging our vendors to use alternatives such as Biodegradable products and in 2018 we advised all vendors that they must stay away from single use plastic. We are pleased to say that last year all but a couple were able to do so, making the festival circa 95% single use plastic free.

We have also implemented a large scale recycling program across the site. This alongside other factors such as minimising the use of generators; having no additional lighting; and encouraging the use of public transport through our partnership with Brighton City Bikes and Brighton & Hove Buses to further reduce the impact of the event on the surrounding environment. This year we even have designated bus route/stop for PRTP which means we can help more visitors ditch the car.

PRTP gives out an extremely strong environmental message and in 2019 we are excited to have exhibitors such as the Brighton Dolphin Project, Re-Plastic, Eco-Bricks and many more demonstrating to the public ways in which they can both reduce and remove plastic use.

Whilst all this is going on within the Land Paddle Village, there is a whole host of water activities open to everyone to participate in. Including the spectacular Paddle Something Unusual or The Big Paddle, where we all grab our board, SUP, kayak, or other paddled craft and set off for as a ‘parade of paddlers’ towards and around the old, now iconic, Brighton West Pier.

There is so much fantastic fun to be had and this year there are lots of great prizes and a chance to try out our huge 20 meter long demo pool. And if you don’t feel like getting into the water come along to enjoy our music stage, ‘Paddle Performers’ stage or to cheer on all those taking part. There are activities for all members of the family including our furry friends with the introduction of the Doggie Paddle last year.

We’re lucky to have the overwhelming support of the water-sports industry, Brighton & Hove City Council and many local businesses, #PRTP19 on the 6th & 7th July is set to be the biggest ever.

For this or any of our other events, register now via our website.
paddleroundthepier.com