Paddlers show off their SUP skills on Okanagan Lake for a good cause

Some early risers made their way to Okanagan Lake on this cool, smokey morning to hit the paddle boards for a good cause.

The fourth annual Phil Law Paddle for Prevention event returned to Rotary Beach today in hopes of raising more funds for BrainTrust Canada.

The popular fundraiser is hosted as a way to bolster the Okanagan not for profit association as it continues to provide support to individuals who have suffered from a brain injury, as well as promote education on the topic of brain injury prevention.

Over the course of the last three years, the event has been able to raise over $135,000 for the worthy cause, one that Magda Kapp, Director of Communications for BrainTrust Canada, believes touches everyone.

“Everyone knows someone with brain injury, whether through a motor vehicle crash, concussion, near drowning, tumor, or stroke. Brain injury is the greatest cause of death and disability under the age of 44, and has been called an epidemic,” said Kapp.

“The good news is that most brain injuries are preventable, and we work hard to reduce preventable brain injuries, while also supporting those in our community who have sustained a brain injury,”

Nearly 40 teams participated in the event, putting their SUP skills on show while also sporting some creative squad outfits.

The teams started out the morning with a good yoga session to warm up and help them stay balanced out on the water.

This event, which tends to foster a strong sense of camaraderie every year, was once again a success. The paddlers were able to raise $45,000 by the morning of the event and Kapp is hopeful they will hit their $50,000 goal by the end of the day.