Triple M’s Spida stands on paddle board for 12 hours to raise awareness of domestic violence

Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt stood on a paddle board from sunrise to sunset as part of The Goldie’s 92.5 Triple M’s quest to end domestic violence.

The annual event usually involves the wider Gold Coast community, where listeners would flock to the Currumbin Boatshed, and stand on boards to pledge their oath to stop domestic violence.

In light of COVID-19, however, Spida instead took on the task on his own, attempting to stand on the board for 12 hours straight.

Throughout the Breakfast shift, Spida was joined by co-hosts Bridget ‘Bridge’ Brousard and Sean ‘Flan’ Flanagan, and then across day, Triple M announcers Jonelle ‘Nelly’ McKenzie, Al Dobie and soon-to-depart Luke Bradnam joined the broadcast to encourage and support from the shoreline.

Bridge said not even a pandemic could stop the show from standing up against domestic violence.

“It’s our sixth annual Stand Up Against Domestic Violence day and it was done a little differently this year. We couldn’t have the crowds down but Spida put his body on the line from 6 am to 6 pm, standing on a paddle board to raise awareness for this year’s campaign,” she said, noting the initiative is extremely close to her heart.

“Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the cases of domestic violence have dramatically increased, so our awareness campaign is incredibly important.”

Spida had “extremely swollen feet” by the end of the endeavour, but said it was the least he could do.

“Domestic violence is a very hard topic to talk openly about, not just for women but men too. It was amazing to see the support from locals and the Triple M family today,” he said.

“To do my part and carry on this awareness day for the sufferers and survivors, it’s the least I can contribute to highlight the increasing numbers of those affected by domestic violence.”