Paddle for Peace is a San Diego based 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on diversifying our coastal spaces by providing surf lessons, water safety tips, and ocean conservation education. They do this by removing barriers and providing resources with their programs at no cost to participants. To date, they have provided 275 first-time experiences in the ocean! We are stoked to support Paddle for Peace with a basecamp at StorQuest Self Storage in San Diego for all the surfboards, wetsuits, donations and supplies needed to put on their awesome events.
Risa Bell (pictured above) is their all-star Founder & Chair. She is a creative and vibrant spirit who works full-time in the medical field and spends her free time surfing and working on Paddle for Peace. Her ultimate dream is to teach more kids to surf and see more black and brown people at the beach and in the water. Risa’s other passions include being outdoors, snowboarding, traveling, and cooking.
Paddle for Peace is an incredibly inspiring organization that constantly holds a variety of events to not only get people in the water but to come together as a community and meet people from all walks of life. From Juneteenth Community BBQs, to toy drives and breast cancer awareness paddles and fundraisers, Paddle for Peace does it all. As someone who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, Risa knows the importance of community and continuing to get outside and keep living the adventurous life that she loves.
Risa & Paddle for Peace chose to keep their gear at StorQuest because of the climate controlled storage units, friendly customer service and our mission to support the communities we serve. Risa has taken our manta “Make Room For Awesome” to the next level when she got rid of things that didn’t serve her to make room for her amazing nonprofit and focus on their mission of diversifying our coastal areas while inspiring others along the way. Be sure to check out Paddle for Peace and donate to their great cause here.
All photos courtesy of Paddle for Peace and Risa Bell.