The co-organiser of a Black Lives Matter event in Porthleven has paid tribute to the 300 people who attended, believing that divided opinions in the run up may have spurred more people on.
Jay Rowe told the Packet that he counted 104 surfers, paddleboarders, canoeists and swimmers in the water, with up to 200 more people watching from around the harbour.
Many carried placards in support of the Black Lives Matter message and were of all ages.
It was organised by surfers Jay Rowe, Jack Johns, Eddie Rourke and Diggory Gordon, who described it as a peaceful protest.
Read next: Four arrests after Truro protests break into violence with 'missiles' thrown
Jay, who is vice chair of Porthleven Surf Club, said: "It went really well. We were a bit nervous about organising something like that - it's not something we've done before and we knew there would probably be a bit of difference in opinion about it."
Organisers Jay Rowe, Jack Johns, Eddie Rourke and Diggory Gordon. Photos: Kathy White
Despite divided opinions on Facebook in the run up, Jay said the event itself went off well and had "a good energy."
"Those comments from those small-minded few did spur on more people to come along.
"People feel a little bit of imposter syndrome I think - 'What right have I got to be out there taking a stand against racism as a white, privileged, middle class person?' or whatever.
Some of those watching brought placards
"A lot of people feel that 'It's not my place to stick my nose in', but it is. I think it's really important to do so and show everyone we stand against it.
"There are lots of different causes out there, but right now this cause meant a lot to us and we felt it was important to do something," he explained.
Those attending ranged from children with their parents to people in their 60s and 70s.
Jay said the plan had always been for people to head out into the harbour, while maintaining social distancing, to sit in a circle in silence for eight minutes and 46 minutes.
Co-organiser Jack Johns wrote a message on his surfboard
This is the same amount of time that a police officer in Minneapolis, USA knelt on the neck of African-American man George Floyd, as he was handcuffed and lying face down on a city street. Mr Floyd went on to die in custody.
The silence was followed with "a hoot" - the term given for shouting, cheering, screaming and splashing.
Such a paddle, which is taken from the Hawaiian tradition showing respect at a funeral, is a surfer way of paying homage to something or someone.
Supporters surrounded the harbour
Many wore face masks as part of social distancing
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here