Local Surfer Jodie Nelson Paddles For Breast Cancer Awareness


This weekend, co-founder of the SUP Spot and highly respected ambassador of stand-up paddling, Jodie Nelson, prepares for a historic challenge of being the first woman ever to paddle a grueling 39.8 miles from Catalina Island to Dana Point.
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Sunday's paddle is being done in an effort to raise $50,000 for breast cancer research and awareness through Keep A Breast Foundation and Boarding For Breast Cancer.

Nelson's “Paddle With Purpose” takes place during Ocean Ohana's annual Catalina Challenge on a
Stand Up Paddleboard. The intense journey has only been accomplished by
a handful of men solo, and has never been attempted by a woman.

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 decided to take the challenge of raising money for breast
cancer after some people who are closest to her were affected by
the disease. 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 in a statement announcing her attempted feat. “I know that I can make a
stand against this terrible disease that affects so many people. And I
am determined to raise money toward research, education and
prevention.”

Nelson completed the Catalina Challenge race in 2009 as a relay
with another woman.
“Last year's race was the most physically and
mentally grueling thing I have ever done in my life,” says Nelson.

The 2010 Catalina Challenge begins at 8 a.m. Sunday. For updates and more information, visit the website here.

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