At the age of 9, Point Loman Steve Bettis bought his first surfboard for $3.
Starting then, he became one of those people who can’t seem to find enough speed and excitement in life, an adrenaline zealot. Bettis, a 1967 graduate of Point Loma High, taught martial arts, earned a pilot’s license and flew airplanes. He even delighted, as a construction supervisor on high rise building projects, visiting with his crews on hazardous unfinished upper floors wearing no special safety gear.
His surfing career even involved a trip to the U.S. championship at Cape Hatteras in 1974 where he took seventh place. He later was sponsored by such companies as Gordon & Smith, Hobie and Corky Carroll among others.
A naturally outgoing and cheerful person, Bettis’ life seemed to be perfect. He had everything he wanted, including a loving wife (Viki) and kids (daughters Jenny, Sarrah and son Kyle).
But after experiencing balance issues in 2006, he went to a doctor who gave him a medical test.
“I thought it was just a pinched nerve,” Bettis recalled. “I didn’t think too much of it.”
But doctors called the 57-year-old back for additional testing and an MRI.
Four doctors gathered as Bettis and Viki awaited the diagnosis. 
“You have multiple sclerosis,” they said somberly.
Bettis was, of course, devastated by the news.
“It was pretty intense,” he said during lunch at a Kensington-area Burger Lounge near his current home.
And so his life began to take a downturn, a slide that continues today. He no longer is able to enjoy his ocean, to feel the exhilaration of riding waves both in California and on foreign beaches. And as the unsolvable disease continues to take its toll on his body, he has been confined to a wheelchair for several years.
“From my chest down, nothing operates like it should,” Bettis explained. “I’m not broken-hearted, it just is what it is.
“The disease affects everyone differently,” Bettis added, “and for me it’s been a little more rapid progression than I’d like to see. Most people have relapsing-remitting  MS, but mine is secondary progressive.”
Relapsing-remitting MS is characterized by unpredictable relapses followed by months or years of remission with no new signs of disease activity.
Secondary progressive MS victims have progressive neurologic decline between acute attacks without any definite periods of remission. Normally, it takes about 19 years to arrive at this level after first diagnosis.
But, typical of his bright and optimistic character, Bettis decided to take a proactive approach to the disease that is slowly changing his life.
“I had this idea in the back of my head that there had to be something I could do that would help more people than just me,” he said.
He envisioned a fundraiser involving his beloved ocean, and after a naming contest among Facebook friends, Wave Goodbye to MS: Paddle for the Cure was created in 2014.
And on Sept. 10, the third annual event gets under way on the grass of Veterans Park in Ocean Beach along Abbott Street between Newport and Santa Monica avenues. 
The event begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. and entertainment will be non-stop.
The focus activity involves a 1.25 mile paddle around the Ocean Beach Pier that is “not for the faint of heart,” Bettis said. Participants may use surfboards, boogie boards, SUP boards, kayaks, canoes or any other human-powered device for this special opportunity.
“I saw people make it all the way around on an inflatable alligator raft,” Bettis said with a chuckle.
San Diego Lifeguards will be stationed along the course to assist anyone in need.
A website (wavegoodbye.org) has a sign-up form for the paddle event or those who wish to make donations. Onsite paddle registrations will also be taken. 
Another ocean event will be a stand-up paddle surf contest sponsored by Revolt Life Style magazine.
Point Loma band Mother Grundy will play throughout the event, while there will be plenty of food and refreshments on hand including burgers donated and cooked by Hodad’s. 
Raffle drawings and a silent auction will be held for special prizes including surfboards “all donated by the good people of Point Loma and Ocean Beach,” Bettis said.  
Also planned are appearances by legendary surfers including Robert (Wingnut) Weaver, Guy Takayama and Roger Jeffrey.
Returning as event emcee is Jeff Zevely from KFMB Channel 8.
Bettis noted his group will provide security backed up by local police.
Major assistance for the event came from Barry and Melody Einstoss, Mitch Murphy and Barbara Franklin.
“It’s a great day for people and families to spend the day at the beach, have a party and contribute to a very good cause,” Bettis concluded. Wave Goodbye to MS: Paddle for the Cure When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10
Where: OB greens on Abbott Street between Newport and Santa Monica avenues Info: wavegoodbye.org