The Paddle Out For Life event took place July 30th at Kellogg Park at La Jolla Shores. The event was free and made possible by Sharp HealthCare.  A floating memorial in the water, known as a Paddle Out is a traditional Hawaiian tribute to the life and legacy of people who passed away and where participants honor someone they cherished.  A Paddle Out can consist of  surfers, paddle boarders and kayakers, who “paddle out” with flowers and join hands to form a floating circle. One or more people offer words or remembrance about the departed and then the whole party erupts in cheers, splashes the water, throw the flowers into the water and, if ashes are present, spread them.

Sports San Diego’s Paddle Out for Life honors those individuals who are no longer with us but gave the ultimate gift of life; additionally, it drives awareness for the critical need for organ and tissue donation. Inspired to carry on this tradition after hosting the Transplant Games in 2022, Sports San Diego continues the legacy of a paddle out as a testament to the incredible bond between sports and community.

Watch videos from the event on the Balboa Nephrology YouTube Channel!

For information on living donation visit Lifesharing.org

To register as a donor click here.

Learn more about Sports San Diego.