Annual event raises funds to support, assist local cancer patients and their families

Board members and volunteers present proceeds from last year’s Surfing for Hope Longboard Contest Weekend to the Hearst Cancer Research Center. The 2017 event will take place on October 6-7, is designed to help inspire people challenged by cancer through the positive energy of surfing.

–The Sixth Annual Surfing for Hope Longboard Contest Weekend will take place on October 6-7, 2017 in Pismo and Avila Beach. This event is designed to help inspire people challenged by cancer through the positive energy of surfing.

“Through this annual event, our organizers and participants strive to show how the ocean and the sport of surfing are therapeutic and healing,” said Bob Voglin, a well-known local surfer and cancer survivor. “It also gives the surfing community an opportunity to give back to people in need by sharing what we love.”

Since 2012, the Surfing for Hope Foundation has raised more than $200,000 to support and assist cancer patients and their families; 2016 beneficiaries included the Pure Stoke Youth Program (pictured above) and several local cancer resources for those currently battling cancer.

All proceeds from Surfing for Hope 2017, with French Hospital Medical Center serving as the presenting sponsor, will benefit the Surfing for Hope Foundation in San Luis Obispo. In addition to Voglin, the Surfing for Hope Foundation Board includes Karen Allen, Tom Spillane, and Brian Metcalf. Since 2012, the foundation has raised more than $200,000 to support and assist cancer patients and their families; 2016 beneficiaries included the Pure Stoke Youth Program and several local cancer resources for those currently battling cancer.

Weekend Events:

Friday, October 6, 4 p.m. – Memorial Paddle Out, Avila Beach
Friday, October 6, 5:30-10 p.m. – Benefit Reception Dinner, Avila Beach
Saturday, October 7, starting at 7 a.m. – Longboard Surf Contest, Pismo Beach Pier
Saturday, October 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Cancer Resource Health Fair, Pismo Beach Pier

The Opening Ceremonies in Avila Beach include a Memorial Paddle Out to honor friends and loved ones who have lost their battle with cancer; meet at Avila Lighthouse Suites. The annual Benefit Reception Dinner will follow at Avila Valley Barn, featuring foods and wines of the Central Coast.

Two local residents, Ryan Teixeira and Mike Spangler, have been named the 2017 Paddle Out honorees. Teixeira, an Arroyo Grande High School graduate and baseball standout who was named the 2015 Tribune baseball player of the year, has been described as a “fearless warrior”; he succumbed to a rare form of leukemia. Spangler, a local business owner, loved being in his shop, SLO Works, or spending time with friends on the golf course or surfing; he was best known for his “generous spirit, beautiful smile, kind heart, and positive attitude.”

The Annual Longboard Surf Contest, at the Pismo Beach Pier, is open to ages 10 and up and includes a variety of divisions. The community is encouraged to stop by the Cancer Resource Health Fair on Saturday to learn more about featured businesses and local groups providing support, education, and help to individuals and their families currently going through the cancer experience.

“This annual event, filled with inspiring and healing moments, has become a favorite and much-anticipated weekend for locals and visitors alike,” said Voglin. “It is a great opportunity for both the surfing community and the medical world to join together and support those challenged with cancer. We are so stoked about celebrating our sixth consecutive year of the Surfing for Hope Longboard Contest Weekend and look forward to helping those battling cancer in our local community.”

For more information, see http://surfingforhope.org. Purchase benefit reception tickets at http://surfingforhope.org/longboard-surf-contest/benefit-reception; the event is expected to sell out and tickets may not be available at the door. Vendor applications are also available on the website for the Family Fun Fair and Cancer Resource Health Fair.