Los Angeles Waterkeeper Announces 5th Annual Stand Up For Clean Water Event

LOS ANGELES, California - On Saturday, April 16, Los Angeles Waterkeeper invites clean water supporters and outdoors enthusiasts to Stand Up for Clean Water — one of the largest stand-up paddle boarding events in Los Angeles and a Waterkeeper Alliance SPLASH Series Event presented nationally by Toyota and locally by Whole Foods Market. Over 300 paddle boarders are expected to participate in the races that take place on the Point Dume State Marine Reserve — a Marine Protected Area (MPA) where fishing is restricted but non-consumptive recreational uses like paddling and diving are allowed and even encouraged.

"What makes this event so special is that in addition to it being a celebration of our beautiful coastline, the race complements Waterkeeper’s successful work to safeguard Marine Protected Areas" says Los Angeles Waterkeeper Executive Director Bruce Reznik. “Much like underwater national parks, MPAs protect ecologically important areas of our ocean allowing them to replenish and flourish — ensuring future generations will be able to enjoy a thriving coastline teeming with wildlife.”

The Point Dume Reserve is one area where Los Angeles Waterkeeper conducts its MPA Watch program, an experiential learning program where Waterkeeper staff and volunteer boat crews monitor boating and fishing activity in and around the region’s MPAs. The goal of this program is to nurture community stewardship of these special areas while creating ocean ambassadors who spread the MPA word back into their own diverse neighborhoods. Stand Up for Clean Water gives homage to the MPA Watch program and raises awareness by connecting people to our MPAs.

Stand Up for Clean Water features two-mile, five-mile and kids stand-up paddle races, and a post-race award ceremony and beach party where attendees will enjoy live music, silent auction and raffle, and food and refreshments catered by Paradise Cove Beach Café, Tail o' the Pup, Ninkasi Brewing Company and Patrón Tequila. All proceeds go to support Los Angeles Waterkeeper’s work to protect and restore Los Angeles coastal waters and inland waterways.

For more information go to: www.sup4cleanwater.org