By Craig Michaels
To the south of the Coachella Valley lies the largest inland body of water in California known as the Salton Sea. In just the past seven years, the sea has lost six percent of its former surface. If the sea continues to dry up at this unprecedented rate, it will dramatically impact the health of our lives in California and beyond along with the wildlife that depends on the water. In an effort to bring awareness to this situation, SEAthletes will be hosting the first annual North Shore Extreme (NSX).
SEAthletes in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation will invite outrigger canoes and small crafts to come out and race across the Salton Sea for the first time. SEAthletes is an organization, which inspires people to nurture the Salton Sea, by creating opportunities to participate in recreational water sports on the sea. KAI WAI, a division of SEAthletes, partners with the Desert Recreation District and the California Department of Parks and Recreation to provide year-around programing for kids and adults both locally and across Coachella Valley. The KAI WAI Kid Advocacy Program exists to give every kid the opportunity to recreate on the Salton Sea.
To get more people on board with nurturing the Salton Sea today, local agencies know they have to change the current narrative. Long-time residents of the Valley are familiar with the unpleasant smells that come wafting up from the sea during certain times of the year. The NSX will bring some positive attention to this valuable natural resource of ours. Every person seen on the water this weekend through social networks, we will be able to increase Salton Sea advocates tenfold. Organizers hope the event will translate their passion into purpose, and purpose into action to improve the community and longevity of the sea.
This inaugural event will take place at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area in the Sea Side Village. The NSX will feature over 500 athletes who will be competing in outrigger and stand up paddle races. Guests can enjoy native bird singing, food trucks, Polynesian entertainment, DJs, plus opportunities to paddle in an outrigger canoe in one of the most buoyant waters in the world. The goal is to record over 5,000 images of people engaged in the water. You can be a part of those lasting images. Your support can make a big difference in how broad the reach can be to shine a new light on the Salton Sea.
The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is located at 100-225 State Park Road in Mecca, 92254. For more information you can check them on Face Book at: www.facebook.com/nsxrace or you can buy tickets at: paddleguru.com/races/2016NorthShoreXtreme
Craig Michaels Productions
(760) 880-3848
