World Wildlife Fund Makes Waves With Inaugural SUP Event

WASHINGTON, DC – World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is making waves this fall with the organization’s first-ever athletic, peer-to-peer fundraising event, Panda Paddle. The standup paddle boarding event, sponsored by Target, will take place in San Diego’s Mission Bay on October 20, 2018.

Building upon WWF’s over 50 years’ experience addressing the planet’s interconnected challenges, Panda Paddle blends a world-class stand-up paddle competition with a world-changing cause – protecting the natural world and all it gives us. “Panda Paddle is an invitation for participants to race in nature, for nature and compete to conserve,” said Jon Cass, manager of peer-to-peer fundraising at WWF. “Panda Paddle will reawaken a personal relationship with the natural world and offer an experience so much more than open waters, blue skies and coastline – participants will discover their own power to protect and preserve the planet.”

Panda Paddle’s courses are designed and directed by SUP legend Anthony Vela. Participants can choose between a 10K solo endurance challenge or a 5K course that can be done individually or as part of 2-person or 4-person relay teams. “Standup paddling is the fastest growing water sport in the world. Having myself paddled in over 200 events all over the world; in rivers, lakes, harbors and in the open ocean, I feel a deep connection to the sport and the waters we race in. It is an incredible opportunity to come together to conserve the planet that we love,” says Vela.

From experienced athletes to first time paddlers, to join the Panda Paddle movement participants will need a passion for conservation and a respect for the natural world. Paddlers will channel their energies equally into fundraising for WWF and paddling for the finish line. A land-based festival will coincide with Panda Paddle, offering music, food, and interactive experiences for the entire family.

“Individually, we’ll get on boards. Together, we’ll take a stand,” says Cass.

To learn more about Panda Paddle and sign up for the event, visit pandapaddle.org.

About World Wildlife Fund

WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working in 100 countries for over half a century. With the support of more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to learn more and keep up with the latest conservation news by following @WWFNews on Twitter.