Happy Vibes and Success at 'Paddle For Raelyn' Events

SAN DIEGO, California - Over the last few weeks we've been highlighting the Beckler's family's fight against leukemia, which their four year old daughter, Raelyn, has been battling for almost two years. After Shane Perrin first called for communities to band together this Martin Luther King, Junior Day and host their own events, several athletes athletes set to work organizing events. 

Everything came together on Monday, as the weather we'd all been hoping for arrived, along with an amazing crowd of people who were there to show their support. More than anything, we'd like to commend everyone who came to paddle for her. It's always incredibly refreshing to see a community of people come together for a good cause and to do so with so much love in their hearts.

Here is a good recap of the various events… (PLEASE NOTE: If you weren't there and you'd still like to donate, you can do so here)

California

Wll, Kristin, Greg, Raelyn and friends 

Orange County

Event: Stand Up for Raelyn - Lido Lap(s) to Lick Leukemia/ Paddle Royale For Her Battle

Organizers: Kristin Thomas/James Pribram and Will Schmidt

Idealic conditions in OC

Two events took place in the OC area, with Will Schmidt leading a distance paddle that ran from Dana Point Harbor to Newport Beach, while Kristin and James hosted the Lido Laps at Newport Beach. As we mentioned, it was bright and beautiful day in January with light winds and a solid winter swell running across the coast. Also in attendance were the guests of honor, Raelyn herself, and her parents Greg and Rebecca.

The full gallery is available here.

San Diego

Event: Supconnect Paddle For Raelyn

Organizers: Supconnect

The YOLO Crew: Emma, Solamae, Joanelle, Lauren Intravia, Ryan Gweorgiana, Djohara Halimaoui, Joanna Eldredge, Sigrid Nelson, Adan Bloomberg and Jay Juarez

We rendezvoused at Bonita Cove, Mission Bay, at 10 a.m., pleasantly surprised by the crowd that turned up. In attendance was the crew from the SUP Chicks So Cal, the team from YOLO in Point Loma and a number of friendly paddlers from around the county. With picture-perfect conditions on hand, we set off in waves and enjoyed a sunny, picturesque morning on the bay, clocking up the kilometers for Raelyn.

Missouri

Table Rock Lake

Event: Freezin' For A Reason

Organizer: Jodelle Fitzwater

It may be cold, but it's still beautiful on Table Rock Lake at sunrise

Jodelle Fitzgerald took on the monumental task of paddling in the middle of the Mid Western winter - during a time when most people consider fetching the mail and walking to their cars enough exercise for one day. The self-proclaimed mermaid set off at 4:30 a.m. and took on a long route across Table Rock Lake with a support boat and her warmest winter gear. The journey included high high's and serious obstables, which she paddled against for an imopressive 30 miles. We will be posting her full report on the paddle later this week.

(ONCE AGAIN: If you weren't there and you'd still like to donate, you can do so here)

Florida

Miami

Event: 24 Hour Ultra Skate

Organizer: Shane Perrin

Shane Perrin, the athlete who challenged SUP communities to create events for Raelyn, took part in a 24 Hour Ultra Skate Marathon in Miami with a mission to put paddle-skating on the map alongside the traditional boarders, in addition to setting a world record. "The 24hr ultra skate went OK," Shane said, "2 hours in I was cramping badly, until about 17 hours in. I was a bit sick but kept paddling for Raelyn. I managed 212 miles in 24 hours and finished 5th overall out of 80 racers and made it into the 200 mile club. Prior to this race only 20 people were in it worldwide. I pushed hard and battled for Raelyn. I also raced in shirts printed up through Kelly Lefkowitz at Rio Sup in Dallas. He donated a lot of his time and practically gave them to me at his cost."

This is a monumental accomplishment for paddle skating and a testament to Shane's determination in paddling for a cause.

Kenny Reed co-owner of Billy Lush, Shane and good friend Daren Wolf 

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