Chris, Marisa, Kelly, and I volunteered this past Thursday, the 24th, for the Getting Air event at the Huntington Beach pier. The Getting Air program, produced by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Pipeline to a Cure, benefits and celebrates the positive effects surfing has for those afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis because the salty air helps their breathing. It turned out to be a beautiful day at the Huntington Beach pier and Kelly (a pure barre instructor) lead us in yoga, Chris and Marisa (with SwimSpot) handed out SwimSpot towels, the kids caught some waves, and I (also with SwimSpot) mostly played in the sand with the kids under the sun.
I especially bonded with a beautiful and sweet girl named Payton. To be around a little girl whose life has been shaped and altered by this disease is humbling, but to be a witness to her enthusiasm and love for life is uplifting. I also spent time watching the surf instructors teach these kids to surf. It was awesome! Some would stand up after a few times and others would fall face first swallowing a mouthful of salt water every time. The best part was each wide and sincere smile they had, whether they could stand up and just fall off, they were ecstatic. All in all, it was a fun, meaningful, and successful day. I know Chris, Marisa and Kelly all feel the same as me and we can’t wait to be a part of something like this again. You all should come and join us too. Lend a hand for a good cause and be surprised at how much you will be touched.
Contact me here at SwimSpot, katy@swimspot.com, or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to get involved. Surfs up!
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