Wonder & Wisdom Launch Water Sports Crowdfunder for Portmellon

A new crowdfunder has launched to help bring a packed summer programme of affordable water-based activities to Portmellon – and if the community can raise £5,000, Sport England has confirmed it will match it with another £5,000.

Wild Wonder & Wisdom CIC, a social enterprise founded in 2019, is aiming to raise funds to deliver a Community Water Sports Project based at The Paddle Shed in Portmellon this season.

Their crowdfunder page is now live:
👉 https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/community-water-sports-project

The team shared an update on Facebook yesterday confirming:

“Sport England’s Movement Fund have confirmed match funding of £5,000 when we reach £5,000 from our crowd first 🙌”

Activities planned for Portmellon

The project will use Portmellon’s sheltered cove and calm, clear waters as a base for a structured programme of paddleboarding, kayaking, sea swimming and snorkelling.

Sessions will run from The Paddle Shed and be tailored for different groups each morning, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn and feel supported. Wild Wonder & Wisdom are also planning locals’ paddle and snorkel sessions, plus a series of pop-up beach events like silent discos, table tennis, beach cleans, yoga, guided walks and rock pooling.

During school holidays, they aim to offer after-school and youth clubs that help children gain confidence, water awareness and new skills along the Cornish coast.

Supporting the community

The project is designed to be inclusive and accessible, supporting physical activity, mental wellbeing and reducing social isolation. Wild Wonder & Wisdom has already helped over 100 people get active in and around St Austell Bay, including adults, older people and young people.

Current popular programmes include:

• ‘This Woman Can’ Support Group – for women aged 40+ who want to try new activities together, from archery and rifle shooting to cycling and indoor climbing.

• Wellness Walking Group – weekly 3-5km walks for adults aged 50+ registered with St Austell Healthcare. The group also connects with local activity providers including St Austell Table Tennis Club, Mevagissey Activity Centre, and Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

When funding is available, youth clubs also run under the names Outdoor Adventurers, Sea Explorers and Nature Explorers – all set to return in April 2025.

Why Portmellon?

The location offers a perfect environment for beginners and adventurers alike. Wild Wonder & Wisdom says:

“Portmellon provides a sheltered cove perfect for beginner kayakers and paddleboarders, and beautiful clear waters for swimming and snorkelling on calm days.”

With its rock pools, nearby sea grass beds, and quiet beaches within paddling distance, it’s seen as an ideal spot to get people of all ages enjoying the outdoors.

How they’re funded

The social enterprise has previously received support from organisations including Cornwall Council, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, The National Lottery Community Fund, Mevagissey Parish Council and Tesco’s blue token scheme.

Volunteer directors, including Kathy King, have been fundraising since 2019 to make their vision a reality.

How to support the campaign

You can help by:

• Donating directly via their crowdfunder page

• Sharing the campaign on social media

• Buying a reward for yourself or a loved one

• Taking part in fundraising events

The team says:

“We look forward to getting in and on the water with you in Portmellon very soon.”

If they hit their £5,000 target, Sport England’s Movement Fund will double it. The clock is ticking.