This June, over 300 paddlers and supporters of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation came out to celebrate NEXT’s National SUP Day and raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. Events were held across the nation in Newport Beach, Calif., Orlando, Chicago, Minneapolis and Austin with the goal of getting those diagnosed with cystic fibrosis out on the water.
Website NATIONALSUPDAY.COM
Last year’s winner, the Paddle for Humanity has extended to five races and continued its giving ways. 20 percent of each paid entry fee goes to the organization racers select at registrations. Plus net event proceeds are divided among these organizations: Best Day Foundation, Keep Paddlin, Love146, LUNGevity, Navy SEAL Foundation, Ocean of Hope Campaign of the Sarcoma Alliance and Surfrider Foundation.
Website PADDLEFORHUMANITY.ORG
Founded in 2010 by professional surfer Jodie Nelson, Paddle With Purpose was created to serve as a philanthropic extension of the sport of stand up paddling. PWP has raised over $150,000 bennefitting organizations like Boarding for Breast Cancer, Keep a Breast Foundation and the Thoracic Ascending Aortic Disease. PWP organizes events like the Adler Paddler and the First Annual Trestles to Tijuana to raise awareness about in-river pollutants entering the ocean.
Website PADDLEWITHPURPOSE.COM
The 6th Annual SEAPaddleNYC to benefit Autism and Surfers’ Environmental Alliance. In the first five years the event has raised $1,200,000 and plans to raise $400,000 plus on August 17. The larger than life backdrop of NYC is a compelling excuse to paddle the 26.5 mile or new 4 mile course. A sampling of beneficiaries include Surfer’s Healing, Best Day Foundation and Autism Hawaii.
Website SEAPADDLENYC.ORG
This year, Standup for the Cure set a world record for biggest instructional class when Zane Schweitzer led a throng of 700 paddlers in Newport Beach, Calif. The event raised awareness for breast cancer and cash: Standup for the Cure donated $60,000 to the Orange County Affiliate for the Susan G Komen for the Cure.
Website STANDUP-FOR-THE-CURE.ORG
SUP 4 Cancer continues on September 1 on the Willamette River in Portland, Ore. Run in conjunction with Athletes for Cancer, the 4th Annual SUP 4 Cancer (SUP4C) is part of a fantastic organization that benefits cancer survivors, helping them to live life after the disease.
Website SUP4CANCER.ORG
