By Jay Hiller, June 15, 2023
Image from Operation Get Out website. operationgetout.org
I’ve participated in the Get Out Girl Annual Surf and Paddlejam Weekend, an all female event, three times and each time was so much fun, even 2020 when I did it virtually. I registered for this year’s paddlejam yesterday and I’m super excited for it. It’s a great day on the water with good company and good food.
If you’re going to be in Austin the weekend of September 30, 2023-October 1, 2023 I hope you’ll consider doing this. Here are 5 reasons why:
It’s a great cause.
All proceeds and donations from this event go directly to Operation Get Out, a 501c3 nonprofit that provides outings, events, and retreats that intentionally use nature and water for positive mental and emotional wellness impact for first responders, military, nurses, and family members.
The event also serves as a memorial to Kristin McLain and Jessica Hollis, two Travis County first responders who lost their lives on duty.
You don’t need to own your own paddleboard.
Paddleboard and kayak rentals are available for $30. They’re there on-site when you get there. A volunteer helps you get set and when you drop your board or kayak off at the end of your paddle, a volunteer takes it from you and you don’t have to worry about it again.
My husband usually volunteers and this seems to be a good place to thank him and the other volunteers again for spending their morning working on this.
Beginner friendly.
This is a low key and fun event. No one is keeping track of time or distance. There are plenty of people around to provide paddling tips. You can go as far as you care to. Nobody’s paying attention to that or judging. There are snacks and a bingo game along the course.
Great opportunity to enjoy Lake Austin
Not many of us have houses backing up to the water. I love the opportunity to spend a couple of hours paddling and then get a ride back on a nice motorboat.
Lovely gift bag
Besides a T shirt, which incidentally is a women’s cut T-shirt, not a man’s T-shirt in whatever size, there’s usually a pretty bracelet with an inspiring message.
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