`Paddle for a Cure,' a 5k paddle on Mission Bay to Raise Funds

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society in San Diego will be the beneficiary of proceeds from the Second annual “Wave Goodbye to MS, Paddle for a Cure,” a fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 11.

More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the fundraiser and use surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, canoes, kayaks or inflatables to follow a 5k (3.1 mile) route on the waters of Mission Bay, San Diego.

Registration for the event will begin at 8 a.m. on Oct. 11, at Crown Point Shores Park, Crown Point Drive and Ingraham Street in San Diego’s Pacific Beach community.

Participants are expected to start their calm-water, 5k cruises at about 10 a.m. The course will hug the shoreline along the bayside walk and Rivera Drive and proceed under the Ingraham Street bridge and turn around at a small cove near Dawes Street and Pacific Beach Drive

Donation to participate is $35 per person. Proceeds will benefit MS research and programs and services for people with MS. Registration and event information are available at www.WaveGoodbye.org.

After the estimated hour-long paddle ride, live entertainment will include performances from rock bands “Still Around” and “Psydecar,” as well as Spanish jazz musician Mario Olivares. Emcee at the event will be Jeff Zevely, reporter with KFMB-TV/CBS8.

Also at the event will be a demonstration of the Onit Ability Board, which is a wheelchair attached to a paddleboard and safety pontoons.

Last year’s inaugural event drew about 1,000 people and raised more than $35,000. Event organizers include childhood friends and Point Loma High School graduates Mitch Murphy, Barry Einstoss and Todd Smith, who are organizing the fundraiser on behalf of their friend Steve Bettis, who has MS.