Residents are being invited to grab their surfboards or whatever else they can find that floats, and join the San Diego chapter of the Surfrider Foundation in paddling out on Sunday in support of clean water.
The 16th annual Paddle for Clean Water starts with a 9 a.m. breakfast for all paddlers. The Paddle itself begins at 10 a.m. at the Ocean Beach Pier. A post-paddle-out party takes place in the OB Pier parking lot immediately following the paddle.
Over the years, paddlers have participated using surfboards, body boards, kayaks and other floating objects. Some people even swim the relatively short course around the OB Pier.
Perhaps the most unusual, according to Bill Hickman, coordinator of the San Diego County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, might have been participants who had put together pieces of trash found on the beach and paddled that around the pier.
About 800 paddlers took to the waters off Ocean Beach during last year’s event, said Hickman.
“This year we’re pushing for 1,000,” he said.
Not a competition of any sort, the inclusive event encourages residents simply to join in the paddle “”- supporting clean water while having some fun.
The Ocean Beach paddle-out is one of dozens of such events across the country to focus attention on coastal water-quality issues throughout the nation.
The decline of near-shore water quality remains one of the biggest threats to the world’s beaches and coastlines, according to environmentalists. Not only does it diminish or destroy marine habitats, it poses a significant risk to the health and welfare of the beachgoing public.
Paddle for Clean Water is an opportunity for people to get involved in the issue and to learn more about local coastal environmental concerns, said Julia Chunn, chair of Surfrider Foundation’s San Diego chapter.
Surfrider Foundation strives to protect and restore coastal water quality and to create a sustainable environment for future generations.
The post-paddle-out party will feature booths highlighting environmental awareness and action, along with health and wellness booths that will feature massage, tai chi and yoga. Children will be treated to a fun area where face painting and arts and crafts activities will be offered as well as information on children’s arts and dance classes. Live music and dancing will cap the event, along with food and a beer garden for those aged 21 years and over.
For more information about Paddle for Clean Water and the post-paddle-out party, call (858) 792-9940, or visit www.surfridersd.org.