On October 9th, many of us at SwimSpot had the amazing privilege of volunteering at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Pipeline to a Cure Stand Up Paddle Event - sponsored by our wonderful friends at NEXT by Athena – at the Newport Aquatic Center. The event was in our backyard, hosted in the Newport Beach Back Bay. It was great seeing so many people come out to support a cause they are so passionate about.

Throughout the year, in support of CFF and Pipeline, we make a point of volunteering, staging special awareness and fundraising events, and donating women’s swimsuits to youth who are afflicted with CF. For those of you unfamiliar with Pipeline to a Cure:

The goal of Pipeline to a Cure is to increase awareness and funding for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by rallying the surfing and action sports world. The national program is sponsored by NEXT by Athena.

Since 1955 the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has worked to assure the development of the means to cure and control CF and to improve the quality of life for those born with the disease.

In recent years, doctors in Australia realized that cystic fibrosis patients who surfed had significantly healthier lungs than non-surfing CF patients. They found that the inhalation of saltwater mist hydrates the lining of the lungs and actually assists in the elimination of bacteria-laden mucus. As a result of this discovery, a hypertonic saline solution was developed to mimic a “surf session” for CF patients to use on a daily basis. We all know that surfing is great for the body and soul, but in this case, it actually helps fight the disabling effects of cystic fibrosis for thousands of children.

There were so many amazing and talented people at this event, including Gretchen Tseng – Fit Specialist and NEXT by Athena brand ambassador, Suzanne Yeo – also a NEXT brand ambassador, SUP instructor, and yoga instructor, and Dave Kalama – World Champion of surf, SUP, and outrigger canoe.

Above on the left is Lisa Vogel – one of the co-presidents of RAJ Manufacturing, which designs, manufactures, and markets women’s swimwear, bathing suits, and swimwear cover-ups for high profile brands such as Luxe by Lisa Vogel (where she is the creative director), Athena, NEXT by Athena, Ella Moss, Splendid, Guess, Hurley, St. Johns, Reef, and Nautica Swimwear.

Lisa addressed the 150 or so attendees and thanked them for being brave and committed to the end goal of finding a cure for CF. She also informally launched the national NEXT by Athena sponsorship of the Pipeline to a Cure Campaign. A percentage of sales of the 2012 NEXT Collection will be donated to the Campaign in support of public awareness and to help underwrite youth events. Every NEXT hangtag promotes the campaign and drives customers to a special website to learn more.

In addition to getting in the water with CF kids, we at SwimSpot also got involved by distributing a 20% off discount card with 10% of the proceeds going to the CFF Pipeline to a Cure Campaign.

 As a fun side note, we loved the event’s music that was performed by the Kalama Brothers. Oh so soothing; with a laid-back Hawaiian feel with a splash and call-out to Jack Johnson.

Volunteering at Pipeline to a Cure was such a great experience. We met and mentored some incredible CF kids for the day, as well as mingled with volunteers that truly inspired us with their passion to make a difference in the lives of others. Amazing work by amazing people. Please consider supporting Pipeline for a Cure. It is such an amazing cause.