Hosted jointly by Surfrider Foundation's Santa Barbara Chapter and the Eco-Warrior Foundation, the Paddle For Gaviota has attracted big names including waterman and ECO-Warrior James Pribram, surfer/paddler Chadd Konig, actor/host/surfer and environmental and animal activist David Chokachi, long-distance paddler and 2012 SUP paddler of the year nominee Mike Vaughan, actor/director/writer/surfer Ross Thomas, Bark SUP team paddler Morgan Hoesterey... and others are expected to be added to this already impressive list of activists.
This core group of paddlers will be joining forces to demonstrate their passion for preserving the last 20 miles of rural coastline in Southern California, while raising funds and awareness for the local Santa Barbara Chapter. Donations for the 2013 Paddle For Gaviota can be made via Crowdrise.com by visiting: http://www.crowdrise.com/2013PaddleForGaviota/fundraiser/surfriderfoundation
"Not only will this core group of paddlers be able to see firsthand the beauty of the Gaviota Coast's intact ecosystems," says James Pribram, Founder of the Eco-Warrior Foundation, "we'll also be educating the public about the threats of development and help raise funds and awareness for this extremely important cause."
Surfrider's Santa Barbara Chapter has been working for over 20 years to preserve the 20-mile stretch of undeveloped coastline between Goleta and Gaviota. The Gaviota Coast - southern California's last remaining stretch of undeveloped coastline - is unique in its Mediterranean climate, irreplaceable biodiversity of plant, animal and marine life, important coastal farmland, and Native American cultural sites. Development of this exceptional area gravely threatens its integrity and incomparable scenic beauty.
Surfrider Foundation is in favor of permanently preserving the Gaviota Coast's rural character and unspoiled nature for future generations to enjoy.
Paddlers confirmed for that day include:
James Pribram is a Laguna Beach native, waterman, columnist, environmental leader and educator. His environmental awareness program, The ECO-Warrior Project is dedicated to protecting oceans, beaches and sea life worldwide through education, knowledge and participation and is now a full-fledged foundation. He is also the owner and operator of The Aloha School of Surfing teaching aspiring surfers of all ages, the 2007 recipient of the John Kelly environmental award and was voted Laguna Beach's Athlete of the Year in 2011. On Twitter/Instagram: @jamespribram on Facebook: facebook.com/ecosurf.
David Chokachi of Baywatch fame is a devout waterman, and ocean water advocate. He has worked on the hit TV shows Baywatch, Witchblade, Beyond the Break and continues working as an actor and advocating for the environmental and animal rights. David recently addressed Congress on ocean water testing. Surfrider Foundation honored the actor with the organization's prestigious Keeper of the Coast Award in 2009.
Ross Thomas - is best known for his acting in recent big movies Soul Surfer, American Pie Presents The Naked Mile, and TV series General Hospital (2011) and Beyond The Break (2009). A devoted and passionate waterman, Ross' love for the ocean has inspired a lifelong commitment to ocean and coastal preservation efforts. Ross also advocates for the protection and preservation of the rainforest and it's inhabitants as well as indigenous communities worldwide.
Chadd Konig - is a rising voice in the environmental movement. In 2012, Chadd joined a group of artists, musicians, surfers, and others for an epic paddle from Gaviota to San Diego as part of the TransparentSea voyage, which highlighted coastal environmental issues. And in 2009, he and Nole Cossart paddled from Santa Barbara to Mexico to raise awareness about development along the Gaviota Coast.
Morgan Hoesterey is no stranger to audacious ocean challenges. In July 2008, with just eight months of paddling experience, she became the first woman to complete the legendary Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard race solo on a standup paddleboard. In April of 2010 she and fellow paddler Jenny Kalmbach became two of five people in the world to standup paddle the entire Hawaiian Island Chain to bring awareness to plastics contamination in the ocean. Morgan has gone on to compete and place in the sport's most prestigious events.
Mike Vaughan - was nominated for 2012 SUP Man of the Year. Mike is a champion many times over, most recently winning the 2012 Rock 2 Rock Race with relay teammate Seth Springer. He is well respected within the industry and a pioneer for growing the sport. Mike strives to make SUPing accessible to all and has helped build the local SUP community in the Santa Monica / Southern California area.
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