What is the Paddle for Clean Water?
Originally launched in the 90s as a protest against sewage pollution, the Paddle for Clean Water has grown into an annual event uniting surfers, swimmers, and ocean enthusiasts in a powerful show of solidarity for protecting our coastline and improving ocean water quality.
This year, we’re doing things a bit differently. While the event is iconic for paddling around the Ocean Beach Pier, our new location brings a fresh opportunity. Paddlers will be asked to head past the break and line up in the water, creating a striking visual, similar to Hands Across the Sand, but in the water. Together, we’ll make a bold statement for clean water.
The event also invites San Diegans to come together and participate in a variety of activities including morning yoga, a coastal ribbon project, a paddle out, a beach cleanup, and live music—all while celebrating the year’s accomplishments.
What To Expect
Breakfast Bar:
Don’t forget your coffee cup! Cold brew coffee is generously donated by our Ocean Friendly Restaurants, Ox Coffee. We’ll also have bagels and fruit provided by Jimbo’s. Water will be available, so bring your reusable water bottle. Light breakfast will be served while supplies last.
Schedule of Events:
9:00 AM – Community Yoga hosted by Movement Matters Collective. Limited yoga mats are available to borrow! -OR- Beach Cleanup at your own pace. We’ll provide the supplies—just bring yourself! Register here for the cleanup.
9:30 AM – Guest Speakers from Clean Border Water Now, the Indigenous Community, and San Diego Coastkeeper.
10:00 AM – Live Music by We The Commas.
10:30 AM – Paddle Out to Mission Beach -OR- Continue enjoying live music and visit our community partner tents. Register here to paddle.
11:20 AM – Group photo. Grab your board and get ready to say cheese!
12:00 PM – Beach Cleanup ends. Please return any supplies you borrowed to the Surfrider tent.
12:30 PM – Event concludes. Thanks for joining us!
Join the Action:
Stop by our Clean Border Water Now tent to learn about our efforts to tackle the water pollution crisis and environmental justice issues impacting South Bay residents. You can also take part in our Coastal Ribbon Project and share your hopes and aspirations for our coastline.
Scavenger Hunt for Kids:
Bringing kids to the event? Awesome! We’ll have a tent staffed by volunteers who will provide details about the scavenger hunt, with a chance to win prizes!
Before You Go
Address: 3000 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Local Events: Please be aware that Mission Bayfest is also happening on Sunday at Bonita/Ventura Cove. Plan accordingly for potential traffic and crowds.
Merchandise: Bring your wallets! We’ll be selling event shirts, Surfrider swag, and more. Some of our partner tents may also have items available for purchase.
Need a Board? Hamel’s at 3200 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109, offers board rentals starting at $8/hour. Don’t forget to bring your ID!
Parking: There is plenty of street and lot parking available. If you’re driving, plan ahead to secure a spot in the lots south or east of Belmont Park. If those lots are full, try finding a spot along Mission Blvd.
Public Transportation: Public transportation is available via San Diego MTS Bus Route 8. Get off at W Mission Bay Dr & Mission Blvd. (Stop ID #10763 or Stop ID #10359). Walk south down Mission Blvd for 0.3 miles and locate Mission Beach Park.
Restrooms: Two restroom locations are nearby: one is south of Belmont Park along Ocean Front Walk, and the other is just north of the lifeguard tower.
Shirt Order Pick-up: Shirts must be picked up on the day of the event, Sunday, September 29th, and will not be mailed. The person picking up the shirt must have an ID that matches the purchaser’s name.
