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2023_Paddle

32nd Annual Paddle for Clean Water

Sunday, September 29, 2024  |  9:00am - 12:30pm  |  Mission Beach Park

New location, same mission.

What is the Paddle for Clean Water?

Join us for the 32nd Annual Paddle for Clean Water, hosted by the Surfrider Foundation San Diego County Chapter on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 9:00 am at Mission Beach Park (just south of Belmont Park).

Originally launched in the 90s as a protest against sewage pollution, the Paddle for Clean Water has grown into an annual event uniting surfers, swimmers, and ocean enthusiasts in a powerful show of solidarity for protecting our coastline and improving ocean water quality.

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 will be 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.

The event also invites San Diegans to come together and participate in a variety of activities including morning yoga, a coastal ribbon project, a paddle out, a beach cleanup, and live music—all while celebrating the year’s accomplishments.

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Event T-Shirts for Sale!

Pre-Ordered Shirt Pick-Up:
If you pre-ordered a shirt, please note that shirts will not be mailed. They must be picked up at the event on Sunday, September 29th at the merchandise booth. To pick up your shirt, the name on your ID must match the purchaser’s name.
 

Missed the Pre-Sale?
Don’t worry! Event t-shirts will still be available for purchase at the Surfrider Merchandise Booth for $32—while supplies last!

  • Fabric: 100% Combed Ring Spun Organic Cotton (4.4 oz/sq yd)
  • Design:
    • Front: Main Design
    • Upper Back: Surfrider San Diego Logo and Event Date
  • Sizes Available: Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL

Grab your shirt and show your support!

What To Expect

Schedule of Events
9:00 AM - Community Yoga hosted by Movement Matters Collective. Limited yoga mats are available to borrow!
-OR- 
Beach Cleanup at your own pace. We’ll provide the supplies—just bring yourself! Register here for the cleanup.
9:30 AM - Guest Speakers from Clean Border Water Now, the Indigenous Community, and San Diego Coastkeeper.
10:00 AM - Live Music by We The Commas.
10:30 AM - Paddle Out to Mission Beach 
-OR-
Continue enjoying live music and visit our community partner tents. Register here to paddle.
11:20 AM - Group photo. Grab your board and get ready to say cheese! 
12:00 PM - Beach Cleanup ends. Please return any supplies you borrowed to the Surfrider tent.
12:30 PM - Event concludes. Thanks for joining us!
 
Breakfast Bar: Don’t forget your coffee cup! Cold brew coffee is generously donated by our Ocean Friendly Restaurants, Ox Coffee. We’ll also have bagels, and fruit provided by Jimbo’s. Water will be available, so bring your reusable water bottle. Light breakfast will be served at 9:00 am while supplies last.
 
Join the Action: Stop by our Clean Border Water Now tent to learn about our efforts to tackle the water pollution crisis and environmental justice issues impacting South Bay residents. You can also take part in our Coastal Ribbon Project and share your hopes and aspirations for our coastline.
 
Scavenger Hunt for Kids: Bringing kids to the event? Awesome! We’ll have a tent staffed by volunteers who will provide details about the scavenger hunt, with a chance to win prizes!

Morning Beach Yoga

Hosted by Movement Matters Collective

Join us in an invigorating morning yoga session to harmonize your mind and body in preparation for the day's activities.

Movement Matters Collective (4)
Yoga
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Live Music

And as the event unfolds, let the rhythm of We The Commas carry you into the afternoon.

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Tasty Refreshments

Fuel up with a cold brew from Ox Coffee and delicious bagels. Fruit provided by Jimbo's.

Bagels
SD_Veriditas Rising_Paddle For Clean Water

One Epic Paddle Out

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 will be 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.

Coastal Ribbon Project

Don't miss the chance to participate in our Coastal Ribbon Project! Share your thoughts by responding to the prompt, "In the face of climate change, pollution, inequity, and other challenges, what is your hope for your local coastline?" and read the inspiring answers from others.

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Paddle_SD_BCU

Beach Cleanup

Beach cleanups provide a fun and easy way to volunteer and engage with our mission to protect our ocean, waves and beaches, for all people! We'll provide limited supplies. Cleanup will run from 9-12pm. Let us know you're coming by signing up today!

Meet Our Community

It takes a community to create meaningful change. We are deeply grateful to our partners for supporting the Surfrider Foundation's mission to protect our ocean and coastlines. Together, we make a difference!

paddle_partners_sd

Before You Go

 
Local Events: Please be aware that Mission Bayfest is also happening on Sunday at Bonita/Ventura Cove. Plan accordingly for potential traffic and crowds.
 
Merchandise: Bring your wallets! We’ll be selling event shirts, Surfrider swag, and more. Some of our partner tents may also have items available for purchase.
 

Need a Board? Hamel's at 3200 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109, offers board rentals starting at $8/hour. Don't forget to bring your ID!

Parking: There is plenty of street and lot parking available. If you’re driving, plan ahead to secure a spot in the lots south or east of Belmont Park. If those lots are full, try finding a spot along Mission Blvd.
 
Public Transportation: Public transportation is available via San Diego MTS Bus Route 8. Get off at W Mission Bay Dr & Mission Blvd. (Stop ID #10763 or Stop ID #10359). Walk south down Mission Blvd for 0.3 miles and locate Mission Beach Park.
 
Restrooms: Two restroom locations are nearby: one is south of Belmont Park along Ocean Front Walk, and the other is just north of the lifeguard tower.

Supporting Our Mission

Paddle for Clean Water Website
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

Event Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing sponsors for their unwavering support. Your contributions help us continue the vital work of protecting and preserving our oceans, waves, and beaches. Together, we are making a lasting impact for future generations. Thank you for standing with us in our mission!

Images Provided By 

Brian Good

Michelle Tellez Photography

Veriditas Rising

Graphic Provided By 

Ashley Prado