Sometimes, we come across a cause and organization that makes us go beyond our comfort zones, and bite off something more than we normally might not do. This weekend, two teams in California will be paddling a 24hour relay. One in Morro Bay, and one in Newport as part of the Monster and Sea Paddle for Cancer cause happening across the nation. We wanted to take a moment to shine some light on these awesome Cali Paddlers and the adventure they will be embarking on. Have fun out there! [ Thank you to contributor Maggie Adams and Blue Paddle SUP for providing the spotlight and bios! ]
Also, word on the street is they are encouraging folks to join them for certain legs. So follow their Instagram and FB links below to get the details!
Introducing the two California teams participating in The 24-A Relay Paddle for Cancer!
Team Morro Bay:
Morro Bay Donation Link: https://www.gofundme.com/v2ur74yc
Stanley is Morro Bay native/local and has surfed all of his life. He enjoys golf, mtn biking & road biking, and took up paddle boarding and paddle surfing about two years ago. Stanley's career history has included: construction, farming, and 28 years as a Licensed Real Estate Agent/Broker. Stanley is active in the Morro Bay community as a member of the MB Rotary Club, MB Yacht Club, and the Rock Harbor Church of MB. Stanley also gives back to the community by working as a reserve fireman. Stanley is father-in-law to MB Paddle Team Captain, Teddy.
Trevor grew up in Morro Bay and has been surfing for over 25 years. With his love for the ocean and water sports, it was a natural transition over to standup paddle boarding. Trevor works as master carpenter and gives back to the community by working as a reserve firefighter/paramedic. The local community of SUP's is growing along the Central Coast and he is stoked to be a part of it.
Ken co-founded the Paddleboard Company in Morro Bay with his wife Sandi. Ken works in the technology industry for a major company. He is an accomplished paddler who has SUP'd the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia, Hawaii, Alaska, the Big Sur Coast from Point Sur to Cayucos, as well as various lakes and rivers in the US. Ken and The Paddleboard Company are passionate supporters of local charities, clean water advocacy groups, and causes like the Monster and Sea 24.
Sandi took up standup paddle boarding 6 yrs ago while living on the Big Island of Hawaii. This sport along with yoga are the foundation of her fitness which led her to get a certification as a SUP yoga instructor. Sandi, along with her husband, Ken, own The Paddleboard Company, a SUP retail and rental store in Morro Bay to help share their love of the sport. They offer rentals and lessons for the "curious", sales and demos for the "serious" and classes, events and tours for the "adventurous". As a certified ACE Personal Trainer and 200RYT yoga instructor Sandi enjoys working outside on a liquid studio to help people "find their balance".
Jeff, Morro Bay native and avid surfer/paddle boarder spends his workdays as a journeyman electrician. Jeff has worked on large job sites including solar and nuclear energy plants, institutions, and industrial complexes. In his free time, he enjoys family beach days, camping with family and at any given time, isn't too far from good music or the beach. Jeff has been paddle boarding for about three years and is a part of the growing Central Coast SUP community.
Teddy, Morro Bay local and MB paddle team captain, has surfed nearly all his life. About three years ago he and a few guys from his firehouse swapped mountain bikes for SUP's and started out with some flat water paddling that progressed to paddle surfing. Teddy enjoys a career on the Central Coast as a fire engineer/paramedic and works out of a firehouse with Stanley and Trevor. Teddy is co-founder of ESTERO and ESTEROpaddle.com , a surf/SUP/paddle surf apparel company that gives to a local charity group assisting wounded active military personnel and veterans. He enjoys family beach days and paddling with his 4 year-old son.
TEAM NEWPORT:
Team Newport Donation Link: https://www.gofundme.com/2jrqv7e4
Burke, 12yrs. old and the youngest member of Team Newport, Burke paddles with @thepaddleacademy out of Dana Point and is a brand ambassador for @sheltahats @suptac @kanulock and has recently joined the @infinity_sup team! Burke is so pumped to stay up past his bed time and paddle for such a great cause. When I asked him if he wanted to do this, he just smiled and asked, "Can I troll a lure behind my board on the night laps? " Go get 'em, Grom! #gobecauseyoucan
Stephen, a 14 year old SUP racer from Carlsbad, California. I have been racing for two years now and I have enjoyed every second of it. I paddle for many reasons. I love the independent aspect of the sport, even though the SUP community is a family that I am so happy to be a part of. Paddling has given me so many experiences and lessons that I would need more than just a couple sheets of paper to list. It's adventurous and all around. Wherever there is water, you can SUP. When I first heard about Monster and Sea’s 24 Hour Paddle, I jumped at the chance to join. Chris Hammond first introduced me to the event, so thanks for that Chris! As a teen who has experienced cancer throughout family and friends, I strongly believe in the effort. I would first like to thank Monster and Sea for this amazing event. Then Chris, thanks for letting me on the team. to kick cancers ass. Cancer has affected the lives of my entire family, including my mom, dad, grandfather, and aunt. At any chance I have to give back, I get right on. Monster and Sea is a blessing! They are always raising money to support people battling cancer. I am so grateful for this opportunity and hope to participate in many years to come.
Maggie, Maggie’s husband Steve, her two sons and two cats are graciously loaning her to us on a holiday weekend to help people who really need it! Maggie was so excited to help that she'd paddle the whole 24 if she had to (and I bet she could do it!). Maggie is the owner of @bluepaddlesup and is sponsored by @gracedbygrit @blkbox_surf and @westcoastpaddlesports.
Lisa,- grit with wit. Awesome mom and a beast on the water. She once turned around nine miles into a fifteen mile race when she found a paddler in trouble, paddled over a mile back to get the sport boat, then finished the race! Nice job on the seventeen miler! This is so you want around when things get rough! #gobecauseyoucan Help Lisa help people battling cancer by clicking the link in my bio and dosing to a great cause! @stephenxbaker @ctaylor0820 @bluepaddlesup @thepaddleacademy
Corey, For this one we pulled out all the stops and grabbed a solid #freeagent in recent transplant to SoCal! I am stoked Corey was so pumped to join the team. Between EMT classes, preparing for the fire academy and work, Corey jumped at the opportunity to help out. That shows just the kind of man he is- drops his own life on a dime to help others. Hopefully he brings enough @oxendurance to keep us all going!
Chris, A broken down old fireman with a bad wheel who is just hoping to hang on long enough to let the studs on our team get us across the line.
Team Writer Maggie Adams - Maggie Adams is owner of Blue Paddle SUP in North County San Diego. She and her team of certified instructors offer lessons for individuals or groups, beginner to advanced. She is a great ambassador of paddling, and always excited to share and learn. Be sure to visit her website at www.bluepaddlesup.com and say hi at the next race.
If you have an idea for Maggie to write about or any questions, send it our way and we will pass it along!
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