Help Me Paddle 30 Miles for the Ben Carlson Foundation

On September 19, I’ll be paddling 30 miles from Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island to Newport Beach as part of BENDIDGO 11.0, raising money for the Ben Carlson Foundation.

When I first signed up, it was mainly about the physical challenge - and a little Type-2 fun - for my 50th birthday.   But as I quickly learned during the kick-off meeting for the 11.0, it’s become much more. 

The paddling community surrounding BENDIDGO is an incredibly positive and supportive group of people. The athletes taking on this challenge are inspiring, and I’ve really enjoyed becoming part of that community. There’s something quite special (crazy?) about a group of people willing to spend hours on the ocean pushing themselves physically while also coming together to support a cause that matters.

That cause is the Ben Carlson Foundation, which was established in memory of Newport Beach lifeguard Ben Carlson, who lost his life in 2014 while making a rescue in large surf. The Foundation continues Ben’s legacy by supporting lifeguard agencies worldwide, water safety, scholarships, and programs that help make our communities safer around the ocean.

The ocean is my life, both recreationally and professionally, so supporting that mission feels especially meaningful to me. And now I have to earn those donations the hard way: 30 miles across the Catalina Channel using nothing but my hands. 

If you'd like to support me, I'd be incredibly grateful for a donation of any size. My goal is to raise $5,000, and every dollar goes toward helping the Ben Carlson Foundation continue the work it does in Ben's name.

Thanks for following along, supporting the paddle, and helping me turn a personal 50th-birthday challenge into something that can hopefully make a difference.

Kevin