The Sharks are proudly supporting local legend Blakey Johnston's latest epic challenge in the name of mental health as he leads the World's Biggest Paddle Out at the Cronulla Surf Festival on Saturday.
Johnston, a former professional surfer who famously set a world record by surfing for 40 hours straight at Cronulla's Alley in 2023, is inviting everyone to join him in an extraordinary display of community and connection.
The World's Biggest Paddle Out will involve 1000 individuals linking arms in the water at Cronulla Beach to form a giant, unbroken circle for a minimum of 60 seconds. All funds raised through participant registrations will go towards youth mental health workshops via charity partners Find Ya Feet and One Wave.
The current paddle out record was officially set by a group of 511 people at Huntington Beach in the USA in 2017, while almost 650 surfers attempted the feat at Port Macquarie, NSW in 2023 but didn't link arms for a full minute.
It's expected Saturday's attempt will take at least two hours, with 10 groups of 100 heading into the water at different times to ensure a smooth entry.
"Paddle outs are so important in our surf culture ... often they are in memory of someone important, or as a protest, but we want this to be a celebration,” Johnston said. "We need to lead by example to empower ourselves.
"Let's get ahead of the curve."
Sharks NRL star Nicho Hynes, a Find Ya Feet ambassador and friend of Johnston's, called on the Sutherland Shire to get behind the cause.
"It's a massive effort," Hynes said.
"Blakey already broke a record a couple of years ago and the community turned up in numbers, so hopefully everyone can do that again.
"Sign up, get down there and let's do the Shire proud."
Having lost his father to suicide in 2013, Johnston is a passionate mental health advocate. He raised more than $400,000 for mental health initiatives during his previous world record challenge and was subsequently named the 2024 Sutherland Shire Citizen of the Year and Westfield Miranda's Local Hero.
The Sharks are an official sponsor of the 2025 Cronulla Surf Festival and the World's Biggest Paddle Out. The jam-packed event at Dunningham Park will also include surfing competitions and activities, wellness workshops, live music, food and merchandise stalls and a vintage board exhibition at Old Joes, Northies.
CLICK HERE to register for the World's Biggest Paddle Out and join Blakey Johnston's mission to make everyone feel awesome!
Event schedule
World's Biggest Paddle Out
Saturday March 15
This paddle out is open to individuals aged 10 and over. Participants under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Must be able to confidently swim 200m.
6:45am Official Welcome South Cronulla
7:00am Group 1 Paddle Out
7:10am Group 2 Paddle Out
7:20am Group 3 Paddle Out
7:30am Group 4 Paddle Out
7:40am Group 5 Paddle Out
7.50am Group 6 Paddle Out
8:00am Group 7 Paddle Out
8:10am Group 8 Paddle Out
8:20am Group 9 Paddle Out
8:30am Group 10 Paddle Out
9:05am Groups return to beach
Cronulla Surf Festival
Dunningham Park 10am-4pm
Live music, food trucks, board demos, vintage board display and family fun!
4:00pm Official presentation
6:00pm Event concludes
