Trashing Success' at 3rd Annual Coastal Clean Up

The third annual Coastal Clean Up this past September 20th was one gigantic 'trashing success; as a flotilla of 101 Surf Sports Paddleboarders and Kayakers pitched in to help clean up the San Rafael Canal. (pictured Barbary Ghost Stand Up Paddleboard Tour Operator Drew Testuide and his dog Niko trash bag at the ready - photo credit examiner.com)

 Every year since our 2011 opening we have partnered with San Rafael Clean and the California Coastal Commission to do our part to keep the San Francisco Bay clean. Each year we offer up free Kayak and Paddleboarding rentals along with introductory lessons to any paddler who is willing to pick up trash as they paddle along the San Rafael Canal. This year 20 paddlers took us up on the offer and took to the water with trash bags in hand, for some of the paddlers it was their first time ever paddling!

This was the second clean up day of the year for us as we ran the same exact promotion back in April to support Earth Day.

Amongst the fun items found - a Ken and Barbie doll - naked and nailed together. In addition a a plethora of tennis balls were salvaged, don't throw them if your dog can't return it or you need lessons for that hack of a swing. The disheartening fact was that about 60% of the trash pulled out was plastic. In all around 60 pounds of trash was put where it should have been all along - in the trash can.

Thanks to all the paddlers who helped clean up the canal with special thanks to San Rafael coordinator Carla Coop who manages the volunteer program for the city of San Rafael.   If your interested in helping out please do sign up for our Newsletter where we will announce dates for next years clean-ups.