Paddles Up! You Did It!
About two years ago I got the stir. I get it often. To pull a group of people together, to feel the energy ignite between them, the inspiration leap from one to another, the contagious spirit transform individuals into one connected community that leave more empowered than they arrived.
In this case I wanted to pull a group of women together to paddle. SUPs, kayaks. It didn't matter what they paddled. I just wanted to bring a group of women together on the water to paddle for The Flatwater Foundation.
For several years my husband and I had paddled for Flatwater dam to dam on Lake Austin in Dam That Cancer, a 21 mile stand up paddle event that raised funds for mental health support for families fighting cancer. I wanted to create an off shoot of that event for women to share a similar journey.
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| Survivor and amazing woman, Vanessa, sporting her "Stupid Cancer" beanie with ace Chauffeur, Jess! |
That's what Get Out Girl is all about. Creating opportunities and inspiring women, men, family, and friends to Get Out. Get Active. Get Connected. There are many opportunities to do that in Austin on land - 5k's, half marathons, triathlons, etc. But not inland water events in this area with the surf lifestyle culture we love - and especially one that is only women.
There's something about the energy, camaraderie, and inspiration that collectively forms when women Get Out together. That's one of my personal passions. As is being on the lake; I know how being on the water fills the soul. So I knew if you paired women + activity outdoors + the lake, we'd be in for an amazing day.
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| Tracy and Momma Jane. Mom and Daughter. Getting Out. Getting Active. Getting Connected. Together. |
Getting people Out. Outside. Outside their box. Outside their preconceived limits; what they thought were their boundaries. Outside their beliefs of themselves - what they "thought" they were; who they "thought" they were; the mental boundaries they may have created for themselves.
Getting people Active. Movement helps us breathe. Process. Believe. It creates healthier, more mobile bodies. Improves longevity, HEART, and health. Helps our minds and spirits open up. Allows us to better handle and get through stressful times.
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| Roseanne: "I've never paddled more than 20 minutes!" 8 miles later, she was nothing but smiles! |
Getting people Connected....to nature, themselves, each other, our communities. To let the energy and blood start flowing to see, feel, hear, and understand - from the inside out and the outside in.
Yesterday Get Out Girl PaddleJam took 61 women on a three hour journey on Lake Austin. To Get Out. Get Active. And Get Connected for families fighting cancer. Some were on stand up paddle boards. Some in kayaks. Some solo. Some tandem. But all for a purpose and a passion that was bigger than ourselves. Sixty one individuals launched and when they returned, each one believed more things were possible, knew they had more potential than when they left, had connected with and encouraged others to reach higher, dig deeper, and believe in themselves and others more. And just as importantly, all to raise funds to help others who are battling cancer find mental health opportunities to also dig a little deeper, breathe a little stronger, and stand a little taller.
Many thank you's go out to so many people and businesses that did not bat an eye to get involved. Please take time to thank them (social media shootouts are GREAT!) for believing in the power of Getting Out.
Mark and Chelsea, The Flatwater Foundation.
Big Mouth Announcing, Ben & Logan
Billabong, CM and Mel Slocum (awesome event shirts!)
Under Armour, Todd Weatherhill
Vapur Water Un-Bottles
Austin Paddle Sports, Andy
Peace Paddling, Todd & Karla
Mike Eiras Music & Entertainment
Event Photography, Mark
Wahoo's Fish Tacos, Gary & Jeigh
Oasis Brewery, Hamilton
Cups & Cones, Rick, Kristi & Nettie
Rove Supply, Dan & Holly
True Bars, Stacy Meisenhelter
Greenling, Delicious Oranges, Apples & Bananas
Bearded Brothers Energy Bars
High Five Events, Buoys & Coolers, Dan & Jack
Wrap Dynamics, Stickers & Banners
Lowes, Stephanie & Winston
Steiner Lake Club Rental, Mark & Justyne Biddle
Steiner Lake Club Rental, Mark & Justyne Biddle
Kristin & Winston Merrill, Medical & All Things Important
Jen Allis, Food Resource Extraordinaire
Jen & Kristin, Absolutely Non-Paleo Home Baked Goods
Amazing Boat & Support Crews
Board Handler Crew
Parking & Transportation, Rocky & OSHA Jay
Check In & Registration, Kristin & Chelsea
Clean Up Crew
Steve, for always supporting everything I never ask about before I do
61 Amazing Paddlers...
...and mother nature for the best October day ever to Get Out!
Thank You!
