After successfully completing a solo 180km board paddle for charity from Newcastle to Bondi Beach in March 2015 I decided to raise the bar! In 2016 I will begin the challenge of a lifetime where I paddle my way from Newcastle NSW, north to Noosa QLD over 1000km.
This paddle is my voice and symbol; it is my way of representing the struggle and personal battles I have overcome in my life. Through doing this paddle I hope to raise funds and much needed awareness for domestic violence and child abuse, as well as the conservation and maintenance of our beautiful oceans and waterways. Through this paddle I not only wish to create a voice and spread the awareness message, but I wish to empower and encourage girls and women to aspire towards their dreams and to have a voice of their own!
I am a 27 year old professional ocean lifeguard, physical education teacher, triathlete and creative. Each day I push social stigmas and norms of women’s role within the workforce. Working as an ocean lifeguard has its many diverse challenges, however my history as a semi professional triathlete along with a vivid and diverse sporting history all plays its role in my professional performance at work.
My preparation for this paddle hasn’t been ideal, I have recently undergone major ankle surgery. Despite this set back I still managed to begin my paddle training along the Newcastle coastline and harbor. Unfortunately 7 weeks into my recovery phase I slipped post training one morning and managed to re injure my recovering ankle. My Achilles tendon was completely ruptured and separated from the bone.
I am now about to undergo another major surgery to reattach the tendon and begin the healing process all over again.
Follow my journey of recovery ups and downs as I ready myself, both mentally, physically and emotionally for my upcoming 1000km paddle of a lifetime.
White Ribbon Australia is a unique male-led primary prevention organisation that works to stop men's violence against women by changing the attitudes and behaviours that allow it to occur. White Ribbon recognises the prevalence and damaging impact of violence against women in our community.
Surfrider Foundation Australia
Surfrider Foundation Australia is a registered not for profit sea-roots organisation dedicated to the protection of Australia’s waves and beaches through Conservation, Activism, Research and Education C.A.R.E.
JB
About Fundraiser
Juliana Bahr-Thomson
Jewells, NSW
Wed, 5 Oct 2016
Collective Heart
$ 600
Thanks for sharing your journey Juliana you are such an inspiration and we are looking forward in hearing from you again. From all of us at Collective Heart
Wed, 21 Sep 2016
Paul Murdoch
$ 250
Wed, 7 Sep 2016
Steve Roxby
$ 150
You are an amazing and strong person Juliana, congratulations on your achievement and dedication to these wonderful causes.
Tue, 16 Aug 2016
Noel
$ 100
Noel from Noosa who was the first to Welcome Juliana and paddle her into shore with Noosa SLSC members
Tue, 16 Aug 2016
Judy Cousins and Family
$ 50
Mon, 15 Aug 2016
Kent & Norma Lancaster
$ 100
Your efforts are remarkable. I have sailed your route which leaves me in awe that you actually paddled that distance. My wife and I wish you well in your fund raising.
White Ribbon Australia is a unique male-led primary prevention organisation that works to stop men's violence against women by changing the attitudes and behaviours that allow it to occur. White Ribbon recognises the prevalence and damaging impact of violence against women in our community.
Surfrider Foundation Australia
Surfrider Foundation Australia is a registered not for profit sea-roots organisation dedicated to the protection of Australia’s waves and beaches through Conservation, Activism, Research and Education C.A.R.E.
Thanks for sharing your journey Juliana you are such an inspiration and we are looking forward in hearing from you again. From all of us at Collective Heart