Jurassic Paddle Sports to return to Sidmouth Beach this Easter

Jurassic Paddle Sports will return to the beach in Sidmouth this Easter after coming to an agreement with East Devon District Council.

Guy Russell, Jurassic Paddle Sports owner, has said today (February 6) that following the dispute over the business' concession on Sidmouth Beach the business will be run 'slightly differently'.

Guy, a trained lifeguard and veteran crew member for Sidmouth Lifeboat, and his team provide unofficial lifeguard coverage for Sidmouth Beach and have been working with Sidmouth Town Council, East Devon District Council and Sidmouth Lifeboat for the past three years to become the official lifeguard service.

In a statement issued by the water sports business today Guy said: "Our apologies for being quiet over the last few months, we were holding off posting anything as we were unsure about the future of Jurassic.

"Back in November 2018 we applied to renew our concession on Sidmouth beach, it's been a long slow process and we have had a few hiccups along the way however we can now finally confirm that we have come to an agreement with EDDC and this week have signed and completed our new contract meaning that we will be back on the beach this summer!

"As you are all aware we were challenged about how we run our business we stood our ground for a while but after much thought we have decided to continue but run things slightly differently. We were absolutely blown away and humbled by the support of you all and we are so very grateful so thank you.

"We will be back in the UK at the end of March and will be ready to open for the Easter weekend to kick start our summer season. We will have brand new kit, more experience, better training and more love for what we do than ever before.

"We will be taking work experience kids, working with the Wave Project helping deliver surf therapy for children, continuing with One Wave to support mental health and simply doing what we have always done.

"We will obviously as always keep a watchful eye on the beach and provide assistance and advice where needed. We can't thank you all enough for keeping our spirits up and for supporting Jurassic paddle sports. We our now officially taking bookings and enquiries."

The dispute between EDDC and Jurassic Paddle Sports arose in November 2018 when the water sports company applied to renew its concession for another year.

According to Guy the concession fee was increased and the council were 'demanding twice the amount of insurance cover'.

He was also told a number of complaints had been made about the business and that changes would need to be made before a concession could be agreed.

EDDC responded publicly, saying that the concession fee had increased in line with similar concessions across the district and the insurance costs were calculated by the council's insurers in line with the needs of the business.

To find out more about Jurassic Paddle Sports click the red button below.