On September 19, I’ll paddle approximately 30 miles from Catalina Island to Newport Beach as part of Ben Did Go 11.0. This will be my fifth crossing. After four previous crossings, I know what this day demands—months of training, early mornings, long paddles, and the determination to keep going when the Catalina Channel gets difficult. But the challenge is only part of why I come back. Ben Did Go honors Ben Carlson, a Newport Beach Lifeguard who lost his life while rescuing a swimmer in 2014. His courage and service continue to inspire this event and everyone who takes part in it. Every donation helps, and I’m grateful for your support. 30 miles. Catalina to Newport. Fifth crossing. Ben Did Go.