On Air Now Jack McHugh 3:00pm - 7:00pm Gnarls Barkley - Crazy Schedule

Request For Kayakers And Canoeists As Shanklin Charity Swim Returns After Two Year Absence

The Isle of Wight Marlins Master Swim Club is presenting the 2022 Pier2Pier Charity Swim Challenge on Saturday July 30.

Organisers are now asking for kayakers and canoeists to assist with the safety of swimmers.

This year's return — back on the calendar after the loss of the 2020 and 2021 events due to Covid and adverse weather respectively — will kick-off at 12.15pm from the beach alongside Sandown Pier.

A total of 150 swimmers are signed up for the event, many of whom have been waiting three years to accept the 1.8km challenge across Shanklin Bay to finish on the beach adjacent the Shanklin/Sandown Rowing Club.

The finishing point pays homage to where Shanklin Pier stood until destroyed in the 1986 storms.

A spokesperson for the Pier2Pier Challenge said:

"We are requesting any kayakers or canoeists who can assist as our first line of safety craft to paddle in with the swimmers.

"If you are able to assist please e-mail Andrew at [email protected] or call Bob Cooper on 07846438909.

"The breakdown of entrants is 83 female and 67 male, with 107 in swim costumes and 43 in wetsuits. There are 47 Island residents and 103 swimmers coming from across the mainland."

More from Isle of Wight News