Introducing Newquay’s Plastic Wipeout, where adventure and coastal preservation collide, by land, sea, and catching air; proof that cleaning can be exciting!
Newquay attracts thousands of surfing fanatics every year; they come to meet like minded boogers, explore the beautiful coastline, and experience the ocean in all its glory. Surf-based activities are high on the agenda for visitors and locals alike, and that’s why Newquay Activity Centre is based right here in Newquay, the home of UK surf.
If you hit a flat spell though, we also have some of the most stunning kayaking and stand up paddleboarding spots in the county, with both tidal river estuary and sea routes on our doorstep. There is also a growing tribe of coasteerers, and of course Newquay is a mecca for those walking the South West Coast Path. When participating in one of these other activities, you can slow down, and get up close and personal with areas of the coastline you’d otherwise miss; it’s a chance to see the beauty, but also an opportunity to spot the blemishes.
Newquay Plastic CleanupA few months ago the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) education team delivered in depth training to Newquay Activity Centre on how to conduct coastal cleaning surveys and record the data accurately for reporting and lobbying purposes.
The MCS fights a multifaceted campaign for a “cleaner, better-protected, healthier ocean”, but one of its main strategies is the collection of accurate beach data in order to drive social, political and environmental change. Globally “an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastics enter our ocean” every year, and it’s predicted that “29 million metric tonnes of plastic is expected to enter the ocean every year by 2040”.
The MCS visit ignited amongst our band of boogers, and set our imaginations whirling. The UK coastline is under attack from all sides, with rubbish either washed in with the swell, or blown into the ocean from land. So in partnership with our friends at the OAIA, Women + Waves and Newquay Activity Centre, we’ve come up with an ingenious 3 pronged attack to clean up Newquay’s coastline from every angle, and raise funds for the MCS Education team in the process.
On 6th July 2023 Newquay Activity Centre will unite with paddlers, coasteerers and ocean lovers of all denominations, to take action and fundraise in aid of Newquay’s marine environment…after all, we all share the same ocean.
Introducing Newquay’s Plastic Wipeout, where adventure and coastal preservation collide, by land, sea, and catching air; proof that cleaning can be exciting!
There’ll be 3 clean-up crews to choose from. Which salt water tribe will you join?
The Paddlesports Clean-Up Crew
Join a flotilla of paddle boards and kayaks that will cruise across the stunning Gazzle (the water on the north side of Little Fistral) cleaning up any floating plastic and rubbish in their path. Enjoy a relaxing paddle amongst the stunning tea caverns, exploring secret caves, spotting seals and seabirds as you go; led by a qualified guide to show you all the best spots. You’ll have an adventure whilst helping preserve this beautiful marine environment.
To join the Flotilla we ask for a donation of £25 (to go to the MCS), in return for which you’ll be supplied with a wetsuit and either a SUP or Kayak. Participants must be over 8 years old.
The Coasteer Clean Up Crew
Want to take a leap? Join an adventure coasteer through the intertidal zone, where the ocean meets the land. You’ll be clearing up rubbish along the coastline and in caves; jumping off rock jumps into deep water plunge pools and low level climbing from one point to the next. This will be led by our trained team. Join the gang and help the cause! Enjoy an awesome adventure and raise money. A donation of £40 (to the MCS) to join this crew is required. Participants must be over 8 years old.
The Coast Path Clean Up Crew
The land-crew will be litter picking along the coast path. Members of the public are welcome to join the land-crew, just show up with your bag, gloves (we will have a limited amount to supply to volunteers) and join the team as they clear the coast of rubbish.
Raffle
We are selling raffle tickets for £4 per ticket, with proceeds going to the MCS to raise money for their education team. An amazing cause that will help protect the marine environment against the ongoing plastic onslaught. Awesome prizes from local businesses include a family Stand Up Paddleboard and snorkel tour from Newquay Activity Centre worth £360. There is also clothing and surf hardware to win.
Want to join Newquay’s Plastic Wipeout?
When and Where:
Meeting point: Towan Headland (Little Fistral) Car Park – by the old Lifeboat station
When: Thursday 6th July at 6pm
(Please note, the start time for the Coasteering, Kayaking & Paddleboarding will be 5:15pm, meeting at Newquay Activity Centre)
Ways you can get involved…
Enter the raffle. £4 per ticket. Exciting prizes to be announced soon!
Join the Coasteering Clean-up Crew. Tickets are £40 per person – proceeds go towards the Marine Conservation Society.
Join the Paddlesports Clean Up Crew. Tickets are £25 per person – proceeds go towards the Marine Conservation Society.
Book your tickets today – first come, first served and limited places available.
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