PaddleFest, 2014 is a paddle race and festival that raises awareness for foster youth. Urban Surf 4 Kids is an outreach organization that works with orphan and foster kids; they use water sports as a catalyst to teach kids to have fun while giving back to their communities and neighborhoods through local service projects.

 

Trading Rivalry for Recreation

 

The event took place in Bonita Cove, Mission Bay on a beautiful day with live music and fun for all that attended. This wasn’t your typical paddle race, as everyone who was competing were beginner to intermediate paddlers. This race was less competitive and focused more on having fun. You could tell that everyone was having a blast from all the laughing and smiling from the participants, opposed to serious and competitive atmosphere you would normally see. Newcomers to the sport had no excuse to not paddle because everyone from mothers with newborns to individuals who were handicapped were taking part in both the six and two mile course.

 

Fun for everyone

 

After the races it was fun for all as there was a board demo which allowed anyone to try out the different types and brands of boards. In addition, Bird Rock Yoga put on a yoga demo introducing a new trend in yoga on paddle boards.

 

 

In the spirit of giving we wanted to hook someone up with a new board so we donated our Explorer inflatable SUP to be raffled off. It was a great event that empowered the kids and gave them a chance to paddle and swim in the bay which they would have likely never been able to do without this organization or event. We want to thank Urban Surf 4 Kids and all who came out, see you guys next year!