On Sunday, March 28, 2010, surfer Jodie Nelson will embark upon a historic mission – to become the first woman to paddle the grueling 39.8 miles from Avalon on the island of Catalina to Dana Point, California. The solo mission, which has only been completed by a handful of men, will be the first attempt by a woman, and is all in an effort to raise funds for breast cancer research and awareness benefiting Keep A Breast and Boarding For Breast Cancer. With a goal of raising $50,000, pledges can be made at firstgiving.com/paddlewithpurpose.

Nelson, co-founder of The SUP Spot not to mention an accomplished surfer, commentator and highly respected ambassador of the sport, will tackle the feat, coined “Paddle With Purpose” on a Stand Up Paddleboard during Ocean Ohana’s annual Catalina Challenge. The event typically sees teams of two-four members race on Single and Double Outriggers or Surfskis, as well as Stand Up Surfboards and Paddleboards. In addition to the punishing distance, the past few years have also produced challenging conditions for the competitors.