by Kate Joslin
Early on October 1st, several hundred San Diegans grabbed their boards and headed to the OB Pier for the 31st annual Surfrider Foundation’s Paddle for Clean Water. The Paddle for Clean Water raises awareness and funds to protect our oceans and beaches throughout the San Diego region and throughout California’s coast. The paddle, which first began in Malibu in 1992, is open to swimmers, paddlers, and kayakers alike. The event started with free coffee and beach yoga before the group began their paddle around the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier. Participation in the paddle is meant to symbolize your commitment to keeping the ocean clean- a call to action for many San Diegans who share a strong connection with the water and its culture.
Following the paddle, leaders from the Surfrider Foundation held talks about the importance of protecting our oceans and daily changes we can make to better our environment. A big focus for speakers this year was the border pollution crisis, and Surfrider’s advocacy through the Clean Border Water Now program, a new branch of their ever-expanding foundation.
Joana Guerra, the Surfrider San Diego County manager, shared that “we [Surfrider] are excited to gather with hundreds of ocean lovers and beach enthusiasts throughout San Diego County to make a statement in support of clean water,” a cause near and dear to the hearts of many San Diegans.