The Surfrider Foundation's Paddle For Clean Water Fesitval is a gathering of the tribe, so to speak. It's a chance for everyone to come together once a year and raise awareness for clean water issues that San Diego faces. This year the focus is on raising awareness of the border pollution issues in southern San Diego County and raising awareness of fresh water issues that impact our local coastal waters in our current drought.
The centerpiece of the day is the paddle around the Ocean Beach Pier. It's scheduled to start at 10am so don't be late! The event features all sorts of human-powered paddlecraft – surfboards, bodyboards, kayaks, outrigger canoes, etc. – in a non-competitive paddle out and around the Ocean Beach Pier. While the event
If you don't have a board but still want to paddle or if you would like to take public transport to OB, get there early as we will have about 30 boards to loan from our friends at Ocean Beach Surf and Skate! The paddle around the pier is approx. one mile and takes people between 20 and 60 minutes to complete. Pace yourself, take it easy and enjoy the great vibes! Please note that while this is a non-competitive event it is still very strenuous and not for the faint-of-heart.
Even if you don't paddle we invite you to come enjoy the event and help make a difference. Immediately after the paddle there will be a 'Stop Border Pollution' group photo, words from San Diego City and Imperial Beach Councilmembers along with a big raffle.
Immediately following, the music begins and lasts all afternoon!!
10:00am Paddle Around the OB Pier
11:00am Group Photo
11:30am: Live music begins with The Professors
11:30am: Stone Brew beer garden opens in parking lot & Kids arts and crafts area opens on grassy area near lifeguard tower
12:35pm: Pullman Standard
1:40pm: C Money and The Players Inc.
2:45pm: Tribal Seeds
4:00pm: Iration
5:00pm: Festival ends
If you are coming from outside of Ocean Beach be sure to carpool or take public transport if you can.
San Diego MTS Route 35 and Route 923 go to OB. The 35 departs from Old Town while the 923 comes from downtown San Diego through parts of Point Loma to OB.
It's a free event all day long and the more the merrier so tell your friends!
2008 Event Video: Surfrider San Diego's 17th annual Paddle for Clean Water.