Courtney Conlogue Paddled 32 miles for Charity

Professional surfer Courtney Conlogue is used to spending copious amounts of time in the ocean, but last Saturday was something entirely different for her. Starting from the Catalina Channel, Conlogue got in the water and began paddling until she hit the sand of Huntington beach seven hours and 45 minutes later.

Conlogue originally came up with the idea for the 32-mile challenge during her recovery from a brain injury. She hoped that the grueling paddle would not only push her limits but also inspire others who might be struggling mentally during the Coronavirus pandemic. On top of that, she also made the paddle a fundraiser, so she could raise money for the non-profits Feeding America and A Better Chance. She hasn’t announced the final amount but has hinted that the total so far is in the thousands.

Thankfully for Conlogue, the water was glassy for the adventure. At times the surfer found herself exhausted, but she was determined to not give up. She was joined by her brother Ryan and good friend Landon Holman, who helped keep spirits high as they moved through the water. On the final stretch of the paddle, the trio was greeted by a rescue boat and the Huntington Beach community, which helped their team push through the last section. Seeing her local community’s support had Conlogue completely emotional by the time she reached the sand.

Her goal was to inspire others, and it’s safe to say she did just that and more.