Pro Surfer Jodie Nelson starts Paddle With Purpose for Boarding 4 Breast Cancer

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Surfer, writer, guitarist, songwriter and TV host Jodie Nelson is about to add another accomplishment to her CV: that of courageous long distance water woman as she undergoes an epic and gruelling stand up paddle boarder journey to raise money for research and awareness into the fight against breast cancer.

Surfside local Jodie has set herself the mission to stand up paddle a distance of 39.8 miles at the end of March 28, at 10am - from the island of Catalina to California's Dana Point - the same as 705 football fields.

"I'm tired of sitting around, feeling like there is nothing I can do," says Nelson. "I know that paddling almost 40 miles isn't going to heal my friend or cure cancer, but I know that I can make a stand against this terrible disease that affects so many people. And I am determined to raise money towards research, education, and prevention!"

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It's an epic journey she's attempted once before - but in relay which took 8 hours and 52 minutes - and said she'd never do again. However she's been inspired to swallow her words and face this tremendous challenge for others and to fight breast cancer - a disease which has affected her mother and aunt, who both thankfully survived, plus now a close friend is also battling the disease. Only three of four men have attempted this challenge solo - one being Stand Up Paddle Boarding grandfather Laird Hamilton, and Jarad Vargas.

"I'm setting out to do something that is, for me, super intimidating, unknown, and something that I have a good chance of failing at. But that doesn't mean that I shouldn't do it! This isn't about me. People battling cancer go through similar feelings that are magnified to a much grander scale. They are battling a life threatening disease that is intimidating and unknown to them."

Jodie's aiming to raise $50,000 for her gruelling one-woman mission - which will be shared between the Keep A Breast Foundation and Boarding For Breast Cancer. To sponsor her and give to this very deserving cause head to firstgiving.com/paddlewithpurpose or keep up with the latest on this once-in-a-life-time challenge head to The Paddle With Purpose blog.

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Sand Sock Girl

As for me paddle boarding is very challenging especially if it is done in a long distance. I've tried this sport, my legs and arms hurt because of standing and the paddling. I would surely like to challenge myself with this again especially if it were for a good cause like Jodie Nelson. I would do any kind of sport for a cause because I love the adrenaline pump at the same time I am able to help someone through this.

Davis Miller

I like this place! I love the idea and wish there was a place like this in Astoria, Queens. I am a surfer and found a "real surfer bar" in Point Break NYC. I am kinda jealous ;0PIts filled with surfers, people who like surfers, people who like the beach and people who don't want to live close to town. I really like this place. You know what they have these real Proctor and Channel One surfboards on the wall. It's nice for coming any day of the week and eating a late brunch. The food was outstanding. The brunch and sides were prefect and tasty. It is a perfect "escape" from city living. It is probably one of the only places where you can get a nice frozen pina colada or margarita. The service was on hit. They came up and checked on us so many times and made sure everything was up to par. It gets very active and the bartenders keep everybody having a good time. The bartender was very accommodating. He was nice enough to make a drink, that wasn't on the menu, for me :0) Did I mention the bartenders are nice eye candy. It was amazing to see their “das boot” which is shaped like a boot filled with beer. Don’t get me wrong, I am not drunk…it’s an actual boot shaped beer container ready to be emptied. Try it ..You will love it!! Oh. How can I forget, they even have a wheel o' shots where you just have to spin it and have to drink whatever shot it lands on!! Now call that bar creativity at its best!!! And when I spill a tray full of shots on myself, the bartender so kindly remakes them for me? Good music, too, and the decor helped us weather an otherwise overcast and rainy day. You know that old song "Brandy"? It goes, "Brandy, you're a fine girl, what a good wife you would be. But my life, my lover, my lady is the sea." I believe Brandy works here. No reason, I just do. And that song happens to be a guilty pleasure of mine, so that's a plus in my book. You can simply waltz over to this colorful and warm establishment, enjoy some drinks with friends, and walk home. The bar is right at the center, so you can walk to either side for drinks, and the bartenders are friendly and at your service. There is a variety of seating, good music, and friendly neighborhood people to make your time more enjoyable. Not pretentious, very cozy, I think Point Break is a fabulous place to spend some time with friends.