(2015 ☆ ARCHIVED) Damien Rider - Australia

DAMIEN RIDER (Australia) - Nominee for the 2015 'Foundation Award'.

When it comes to toughness in sport, from both a mental and physical standpoint, Damien Rider ticks all of the boxes. On January 24th 2015 he completed a solo 800km board paddle from Coolangatta (Gold Coast) to Bondi (Sydney) to raise awareness for his organisation 'Paddle Against Child Abuse' (PACA). A feat which left several paddleboard World Champions, who train for the 52km Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard World Championships, in complete awe. Damien paddled this gruelling distance every day. 

From the age of six he had to deal with horrific situations which left him living a life full of pain and suffering, well beyond his childhood years. As a survivor of this abuse, Damien has dedicated his life to help raise awareness to this issue and inspire and educate the children he supports through his organisation.

He undertook the epic paddle-expedition to promote and showcase his self funded organisation. Rider was in the water for 8 hours a day for 17 days straight, carrying only necessary supplies. He broke three world records, 'eye-balled great white sharks and bronze whalers, battled dehydration, hunger and fatigue, as well as fought against the wind and tide. He even dug holes in the sand to sleep at night, propping his paddle board up to keep the rain out.

After breaking through the physical pain barriers, Damien admits all of his memories and aloneness flooded out - that was when he started enjoying it. He had conquered his demons and broken free from his childhood trauma.

Following his accomplishment Damien was crowned the Mens Health: Man of the Year. He has also just released a documentary 'Heart of the Sea' which reveals what he endured as a victim of child abuse and relive his monumental journey from the Gold Coast to Bondi on a paddleboard.

Through PACA, Damien aims to build multiple 'beach safe houses' globally to start healing individuals by way of ocean paddle sports, health and fitness. Divided families will also be invited to these houses where they will be able to peacefully meditate and repair their relationships. This will be a safe environment where the children feel safe, secure, supported and most importantly given a sense of belonging and equality.

Everyday Damien Rider is fighting to make a difference to the world by ensuring each and every child is given the chance to have a bright future. His drive, motivation and passion has touched the hearts of many and inspire people to never give up.

Paddle Against Child Abuse

• Website: http://paca.com.au
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paddleagainstchildabuse

​This is a 2015 archived nominee. Voting has closed.