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.

SOURCE: Paddle With Purpose