Racing for a Cause: Paddleboarders Unite for RNLI Lifeboat Week

Team OTC
Aug 8
3 min read

There’s something undeniably special about a community coming together on the water — not just for sport, but for purpose. That spirit was out in full force during this year’s OTC Mega SUP Race, one of the standout events in Weymouth Lifeboat Week, where paddleboarders of all ages and abilities came together to raise funds and awareness for the RNLI.

By Emma Maguire.

A Record-Breaking Year

With just under £1,100 raised, this year’s event was hailed as one of the best yet. Team OTC and the RNLI fundraising team were “absolutely astonished” by the level of support. The funds will go directly to keeping the local lifeboat crew safe, kitted out, and ready to respond — every launch of the lifeboat costs around £1,500 in fuel alone. It’s a stark reminder that while the RNLI volunteers give their time freely, the costs of saving lives at sea are very real.

Weymouth RNLI Fundraising Team Chairperson, Teresa Drage said: "If we didn’t have Lifeboat Week, we wouldn’t have the funds to keep going.”

More Than a Race

But this isn’t just about the money. The paddleboard race is a celebration of togetherness. It’s fun, lively, a little chaotic at times — and it brings the community back to the heart of what matters: looking out for one another on the water.

Elaine Farquharson was on the winning team, she said: “The paddleboard racing isn’t just fun — it’s important, It raises awareness about water safety, it brings people together, and it reminds us of the work the RNLI does quietly, day in and day out.”

A Floating Trophy, A Lasting Legacy

With the addition of a new trophy this year, the Mega SUP Race now has something to carry forward — not just in spirit, but in tradition. Teresa said: “I can see it getting bigger and better, Come and join — it’s great fun!”

Gratitude Runs Deep

Heartfelt thanks were shared across the board — to OTC and their staff, who hosted and oversaw the event with care and professionalism, and to every volunteer, spectator, and participant. “You’re under the constant care of OTC,” said Teresa. “They’ve been absolutely amazing, and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts.”

Special mention was also made of Bryony, described as “an absolute credit to OTC and the staff there.” Without their support and passion, events like this simply wouldn’t happen.

A Community That Shows Up

Perhaps the most powerful thing about the race wasn’t the competition, or even the money raised, but the visible sense of pride and purpose. As Elaine (who happened to be on the winning team) put it:

“In my eyes, the RNLI is the fourth emergency service — and as far as I’m aware, they receive no public funding. Everything they achieve in keeping our coasts safe is through public charity. So as a local watersports person, I think taking part in the OTC Mega SUP Race is a fabulous way to bring people together, have fun on the water, raise awareness of water safety, and raise money. Everyone taking part — on and off the water — to make a difference is a winner.”

Get Involved

If you missed out this year, don’t worry — plans are already in motion for the next race. Keep an eye out in April or May for team registration, and come be part of something bigger than a race.

Because out there on the water, we’re all in the same boat — or in this case, on the same board.