THE founder of an all-inclusive beach festival has revealed his motivation for providing “something for everybody”.

Paddle Round The Pier organiser David Samuel told The Argus how he started the event as a political statement, because there was an issue with sewage in the seawater.

“We have this massive playground on our doorstep and we were saying that we don’t look after it enough,” he said.

“People in the watersports industry never really pulled together and, from that, people got behind the concept.

The event - affectionately known as simply Paddle - takes place on July 4 and 5 this year.

Set up on Hove Lawns, it welcomes watersports fans for two days of fun nautical events, with the intention of raising money for charity.

Mr Samuel moved to Brighton in 1991 from London and has seen his event grow.

He said: “Raising money for charity should be about giving something back, whether that’s morally or financially.

“Paddle is about putting in your own little bit and collective responsibility to make it happen.”

Mr Samuel is still looking for a sponsor for the music stage of the event.

Paddle is only one aspect of Mr Samuel’s crusade to raise money for charity.

Last Sunday, the Brighton Big Balls event took place near Hove Lagoon.

The comedy run saw contestants clambering over beaches and groynes while carrying two large balls, one under each arm.

In its third year, the event was raising money for male cancer charity Orchid. Although clearly aimed at men, Mr Samuel encouraged women to also take part – though they had to wear a comedy moustache and run in a “manly manner”.

The previous Sunday, Hove Lagoon opened its doors to help raise funds for Brighton Surf Life Saving Club, of which Mr Samuel is the chairman.

Celebrating the start of the lagoon season, it saw youngsters trying their hand at many water-based activities.

Mr Samuel is extending water accessibility to young people with disabilities through Access Beach, a stretch of shore with special changing facilities and trained staff to help disabled people enjoy the sea.

Sponsored by Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, Access Beach returns to the seafront for the second year in a row.

Mr Samuel added: “The joy of Paddle is that it's all inclusive.

“There really is something in there for everybody.”