New Location, Same Mission

This year, Surfrider San Diego’s 32nd annual Paddle for Clean Water brought together passionate ocean lovers, environmental activists, and community members for a day of advocacy, unity, and fun at the beach. Held at Mission Beach Park, the event showcased the power of collective action in protecting our coastlines and waterways. 

A Morning of Purpose and Connection

This year, we're doing things a bit differently. While the event is iconic for paddling around the Ocean Beach Pier, our new location brings a fresh opportunity. Paddlers were asked to head past the break and line up in the water, creating a striking visual, similar to Hands Across the Sand, but in the water. Together, we’ll make a bold statement for clean water. A classic San Diego overcast welcomed paddlers of all ages gathered with their surfboards, kayaks, and paddleboards, ready to make their voices heard. The energy was palpable, with a diverse crowd coming together to support clean water initiatives and raise awareness about ocean pollution. 

Highlights from the Event

Community Yoga by Movement Matters Collective: Before the paddle, participants had the chance to center themselves with a community yoga session led by Movement Matters Collective. The beachfront practice allowed attendees to connect mind, body, and soul with the ocean in a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. The yoga session set the tone for the day, reminding everyone of the importance of mindfulness and harmony in both our personal lives and environmental efforts.

Inspiring Speakers: The day kicked off with inspiring talks from environmental leaders and activists who shared the importance of coastal preservation and how we can all play a part in protecting the ocean.

The Paddle: A group of participants took to the water for a demonstration demanding Clean Water, united in their message: We must safeguard our ocean and coastlines. From seasoned surfers to first-time paddlers, everyone made their own wave of change, emphasizing that the health of the ocean is a community responsibility.

Live Music and Community Village: Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed live music by We the Commas and visited booths from local businesses and environmental organizations committed to sustainability. It was a space for learning, engagement, and action, with Surfrider’s own initiatives like Clean Border Water Now and Beach Cleanups highlighted.

Community Impact: This year’s event continued the legacy of Paddle for Clean Water by raising awareness about water quality issues affecting San Diego County's beaches and empowering individuals to advocate for cleaner water. Through petitions, conversations, and donations, the event underscored how local activism can have a global impact.

A Lasting Wave of Change

The 32nd Paddle for Clean Water was more than just a celebration; it was a call to action. From educating the public on local water quality challenges to mobilizing efforts to keep our beaches clean, this event demonstrated the importance of environmental advocacy on a grassroots level. The enthusiasm of paddlers and participants echoed a shared belief: We are all responsible for the health of our oceans, and together, we can make a difference.

A Special Thank You

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible volunteers who made this event possible. Your dedication and hard work, both on and off the beach, ensured that the 32nd Paddle for Clean Water was a huge success. From setting up booths to coordinating paddlers and managing logistics, your efforts were instrumental in creating a smooth and impactful experience.

We also want to thank our sponsors—Mitch's Seafood, San Diego Community Power, Sycuan, and PURE Insurance—and express our gratitude to everyone who attended. Whether you paddled, volunteered, or simply came to show your support, your presence and enthusiasm mean the world to us. Together, we’ve sent a powerful message about the importance of clean water and healthy coastlines. With your continued support, we’ll continue fighting for the protection of our ocean for generations to come.

Photos Provided by: Thaïs Giraudet, Veriditas Rising, Derek Emge Photography and Sunshine Johnson