Paddle Out for Whales has reinvented itself yet again with this year’s event emerging into a full on festival for the whales.
It will include the event’s largest programme to date, with a full day of entertainment planned amongst the important awareness message about whaling and marine conservation.
From its origins as National Whale Day 7 years ago, the event has now emerged as one of Australia’s largest protests against whaling.
Each year the event kicks off with a paddle out stunt, seeing hundreds take to the water to make an aerial statement for the overhead spotter plane sending the important message that the whale watch capital does not support whaling.
This year, the day will extend to more than just the paddle out with an afternoon for the whales that is… completely free!
Festivities will start from 9:30am when registration for the paddle kicks off on the beach in front of Enzo’s on the Beach Cafe with the Nefertiti Dancers performing the Dugong Rock with Harvey the Whale. Following on will be the Fraser Coast Zumba team giving paddlers the chance to warm up for Australia’s biggest paddle out for whale conservation.
Paddlers will then take to the water at 11am to show respect and remember the 267 whales that were taken in Antarctica over summer. Champion Ironwoman Hayley Bateup will lead the paddle out with conservation ambassador Bob Irwin taking part in the stunt as well.
The event features a variety of activities for all ages – everything from pilates on a paddleboard to festival favorites like facepainting, and will be capped-off with a twilight screening of the award winning documentary ‘Mind’s in the Water’ following the story of pro-surfer Dave Rastovich in his quest to put an end to whaling.
The festival for the whales is set to take place on Saturday 23rd June at Enzo’s on the Beach and is supported by a host of entertainers from accross Queensland, all rallying for the cause.
Paddle Out 2012 – ‘A celebration of one of earths most majestic creatures!’
Visit the website for more information.
