The second annual Adler Paddler is set for 9 a.m. on Saturday March 17, St. Paddy’s Day, at Leeway Beach in Belmont Shore.
The event is a free, 2.8-mile Stand Up Paddle and Prone Paddle Race and fun paddle around Naples Island in Long Beach.
Former pro surfer Jodie Nelson, who has completed a grueling 39.8 mile stand up paddle from Catalina Island to Dana Point, and Adler’s close friend, coordinates the event through her Paddle With Purpose organization.
The event honors well-known surfboard glasser and Long Beach native Steve Adler and raises funds and awareness for the John Ritter Foundation and the Thoracic Aortic Disease Coalition.
Adler, who was making great strides in the Stand Up Paddle community, unexpectedly collapsed while working two years ago, leaving behind a teenage son.
His untimely passing at the age of 40 was due to an undiagnosed thoracic aortic dissection, the same condition that took the life of actor John Ritter in 2003.
Amy Yasbeck, author of “With Love and Laughter: John Ritter,” will be at the event to sign copies of the book about her late husband.
All books, raffles, and t-shirt sales proceeds are all going directly to the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic health.
Also, Steve’s mother Kathy Adler will have a table with baked goods for sale to raise money for her grandson Clark’s college fund. So make sure you mark your calendars and come out to support.
