Hello and thanks for visiting my Panda Paddle page!  

For as long as I can remember, I have always been drawn to the ocean.  I'm fascinated by it, inspired by it, and happiest by it.  But today, I'm terrified for it.  Our oceans are in crisis: we are polluting it with plastics, acidifying it, depleting its fisheries and our source of food.  I've dedicated my career to environment work, but I can't help but wonder - am I doing enough, fast enough?  

Recently, I got a standup paddleboard (SUP) with the goal to get out on the water more. There's no better motivator than to breathe in the places we are working to protect.  I was in about five feet of gorgeous clear water at La Jolla Shores, when a sevengill shark followed by giant green sea turtle gracefully swam under my board, as if to remind me there is hope...and so much more work to do. 

Then, I learned that the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an organization I really respect, is putting on its inagural Panda Paddle in our very own Mission Bay!  I thought - time for me to walk (or SUP) the talk!  This October, I will complete a challenging, world-class 10k course. But in order to make it to the finish line, I need more than stamina – I need your support with a donation to my paddle for WWF.

This is my first fundraiser, first race, and first time I'm using my SUP for good.  Your donation will hold me accountable to train this summer (!) and motivate me in the course (!!).  And bonus (!!!) -  you will be supporting critical and urgent environmental protection.  

For a healthy and thriving planet, with gratitude,

Kristen