FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SURFER JODIE NELSON TO ATTEMPT HISTORY-MAKING SOLO 39.8-MILE PADDLE TO RAISE MONEY FOR BREAST CANCER
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Feb. 22, 2010 – On Sunday, March 28, 2010, surfer Jodie Nelson will embark upon a historic mission – to become the first woman to paddle the grueling 39.8 miles from Avalon on the island of Catalina to Dana Point, California. The solo mission, which has only been completed by a handful of men, will be the first attempt by a woman, and is all in an effort to raise funds for breast cancer research and awareness benefiting Keep A Breast and Boarding For Breast Cancer. With a goal of raising $50,000, pledges can be made at firstgiving.com/paddlewithpurpose.
Nelson, co-founder of The SUP Spot not to mention an accomplished surfer, commentator and highly respected ambassador of the sport, will tackle the feat, coined “Paddle With Purpose” on a Stand Up Paddleboard during Ocean Ohana’s annual Catalina Challenge. The event typically sees teams of two-four members race on Single and Double Outriggers or Surfskis, as well as Stand Up Surfboards and Paddleboards. In addition to the punishing distance, the past few years have also produced challenging conditions for the competitors.
According to Catalina Challenge Organizer Chris O’kieffe: “There have only been three or four men to have ever tackled this feat solo. One of them was Laird Hamilton, the ‘godfather’ of stand up paddling, and the other, Jared Vargas whom paddled the race in 2009, beating relay teams that had three to four men per team. But it’s very uncommon for people to tackle this race solo.”
Nelson is undertaking this deed to raise money for research and awareness of breast cancer, a disease that has affected people close to her. Her mother is a breast cancer survivor, her aunt is a cancer survivor and one of her dearest friends is currently battling breast cancer.
“I’m tired of sitting around, feeling like there is nothing I can do,” says Nelson. “I know that paddling almost 40 miles isn’t going to heal my friend or cure cancer, but I know that I can make a stand against this terrible disease that affects so many people. And I am determined to raise money towards research, education, and prevention!”
She continues: “I’m setting out to do something that is, for me, super intimidating, unknown, and something that I have a good chance of failing at. But that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t do it! This isn’t about me. People battling cancer go through similar feelings that are magnified to a much grander scale. They are batting a life threatening disease that is intimidating and unknown to them.”
Proceeds from Nelson’s “Paddle With Purpose” will go to leading breast cancer organizations Keep A Breast Foundation and Boarding For Breast Cancer. To donate, visit: firstgiving.com/paddlewithpurpose You are on the Paddle With Purpose Blog. Please share it will everyone you know and encourage them to donate and follow this journey by subscribing to this blog! PaddleWithPurpose.com
About Jodie Nelson
Jodie Nelson gracefully walks the line between accomplished competitor and soul surfer. Her natural charisma, athleticism and commitment to surfing have made her one of the sport’s best and most highly respected ambassadors. She has received praise for her on-camera hosting at the X Games, Fuel TV, and numerous webcasts, and has appeared on the pages of such magazines as Elle, Lucky, CosmoGIRL!, Seventeen and Jane. Jodie and a business partner recently started a company called The SUP Spot, which focuses on all things Stand Up Paddling. In addition to her surfing, Jodie is an accomplished photographer, an avid traveler and loves playing guitar and songwriting. She currently resides in San Clemente, California.
About The Keep A Breast Foundation
The Keep A Breast Foundation™ is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to help eradicate breast cancer by exposing young people to methods of prevention, early detection and support. Through art events, educational programs and fundraising efforts, we seek to increase breast cancer awareness among young people so they are better equipped to make choices and develop habits that will benefit their long-term health and well-being.
About Boarding For Breast Cancer
Boarding For Breast Cancer (B4BC) is a non-profit, youth-focused education, awareness, and fundraising foundation. Our mission is to increase awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection and the value of an active lifestyle.
Media Contacts:
Dawn Hamilton
KHPR for B4BC
dhamilton@khpublicrelations.com
310.295.1189
Jodie Nelson
info@theSUPspot.com
562.754.2034
7 comments
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April 2, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Shannon Brown
You are so inspiring and strong. It is women like you and all the women out there battling breast cancer, who make me proud to be a woman. And I completely believe that the whale was sent to you by God, to show His encouragement and support:) Thank you for doing this, for one day me or one of my sisters, aunts, my mother might benefit from the research is that is possible because of wonderful people like you.
April 2, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Danielle
Jodie,
You are one cool chick! You should be proud of yourself for your accomplishment! As a woman, you make me proud!
April 3, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Surf Prevention
Congratulations Jodie for this huge accomplishment !
April 4, 2010 at 1:53 am
suzan zahedi
Jodie, you make me smile, you make me laugh, you held my babies when they were hours old and you have courage beyond words. God showed up in his glorious creation to show you he is RIGHT beside you, UNDER, you, AROUND you, and WITH you. I love your big blue eyes that are real and honest. You are an amazing dedicated Mom and a loyal friend and when I say let’s tawk, you know what I mean…how can you beat that. I’m so glad God is turning your pain into others inspiration! love you girl!
April 7, 2010 at 5:39 am
Ted
Amazing. You, the effort, the thought.
It appears you already have some good people behind lenses with you. I’m glad for that!
If you ever have need for additional photo or video, please feel free to call on me. I’d love to support your efforts.
Much love,
Ted
tc3 @ tc3imagery (dot) com
May 7, 2013 at 12:01 am
Porter
where can I get a LArry the Whale shirt?
May 7, 2013 at 12:21 am
Paddle With Purpose
You can e-mail us at info@paddlewithpurpose.org