Stand Up Paddle Event

Even though Howard is still recovering from his recent surgery, we decided to go out of town this weekend as originally planned. Our very dear friend Kathy's son Steven died unexpectedly one year ago from a thoracic aortic dissection and a memorial stand up paddle event was scheduled yesterday, come rain or shine, and rain it did!

Steven was 40 years old when he literally dropped dead on the floor at the surfboard shop he owned. He had no idea he had heart issues although his father, Kathy's husband, had died of heart problems at the age of 39. Since Steven's death, all of Kathy's family has been tested and subsequently one of her other son's has had heart surgery so as to avoid the same fate as his brother and father. Luckily, he was there yesterday, healthy, and able to support his late brother.

Steven was an avid surfer and was one of the first ones to promote SUP (stand up paddling). The idea of stand up paddling on a surf board was new to me but since learning about it, I've noticed it more and more. I saw alot of it in Hawaii this past summer and thought of Steven every time. Here is a picture of Steven in a SUP race...


Yesterday was WINDY, RAINY, and FREEZING but about 100+ people gathered at the Long Beach Harbor for the 1st Annual Adler Paddler SUP event. It was a 2.8 mile race around the harbor and fundraiser, raising money for Steven's son's college fund as well as The John Ritter Foundation. John Ritter died unexpectedly of the same thing and his wife and daughter were there with us yesterday to show their support. John's widow, actress Amy Yasbeck, called Kathy months back and has been a great comfort to her. It was a wonderful thing to witness and be apart of. Twelve of us camping buddies braved the cold and rain to support Kathy and even a few mentioned that maybe next year they'd join in on the race. FYI, I wasn't one of them. I'll stay back, take pictures, and buy raffle tickets to support the cause! John Ritter's wife said next year let's call it "Adler Paddler Ritter Sitter!" She thinks like me, she'd like to watch this event while sitting on the sidelines!

Here are a few pictures from the day...








Here's Kathy with us, some of her camping club buddies (it must be the angle of the camera because I look like 2 ton Hanna in this photo!)


This girl was smart, she's showing everyone how she attached her jacket to her paddle and used it as a sail...


Here are a few pictures of Amy, John Ritter's widow...



And this is a picture of Clark (far left), Steven's 14 year old son as he finished the stand up paddle event. He was chilled to the bone but smiling from ear to ear from such an accomplishment. The wind was brutal and I'm sure it was so hard for this little guy to finish the 2.8 miles but he did it. He did it in memory of his Dad...


And now getting a congratulatory kiss from Grandma Kathy...


The weather was horrible but the spirit at this event was bright and sunny, just like Steven Adler and John Ritter were in life. May they rest in peace.