Synopsis

(Also available in 65 mins) Everyday, Australian Damien Rider is haunted by his childhood. He endured horrific circumstances which included rape and physical abuse. From the age of 6, Damien was left with no choice but to seek refuge under jetties and skate parks to hide from the abusing monsters that were chipping away at his soul. The pain and flashbacks caused him to self destruct; pushing away the love of his life whilst fracturing the relationships he had with his two sons. After seeing through many psychologists who could offer no real solutions, Damien took matters into his own hands to find his peace and face his inner demons. He set off on what many thought to be an impossible journey: paddling 800km solo with ZERO support crew for 17 days on a paddle board propelled by just his hands – from his home in Coolangatta to Bondi Beach in Sydney. Damien spent months turning his body into an endurance machine. Damien faced unexplainable physical and mental fatigue day in and day out, but never once wavered from his dream – and documented it all via an onboard camera. This world first achievement saw Damien not only conquer his demons, but 3 world records that now deservedly belong to him. Paddling also for his foundation PACA (Paddle Against Child Abuse) Damien speaks of his entire 800km paddle, and the journey from a frightened child to an older man free of distraught with a newfound spring in his step.