Paddle4Good is a very well organized, safe and fun event for children with special need. There are many volunteers to help at the bank, and on the water. They also prepared games on the lawn during waiting time. My son enjoyed the paddle board and Kayak for the first time of his life. The ending ceremony for the kids was also very impressive, as every kid walked through a path blessed by all the volunteers. We really appreciate Paddle4Good providing such great opportunity for families like us.
Paddle4Good is the real deal. I heard about them at a CPR class that one of their staff was teaching. I couldn't wait to volunteer at an event. Arriving at my first Paddle4Good event, I was welcomed warmly by Max and his crew. They're super organized and were set up and ready for participants in short order. They made sure that as a new volunteer, I was a good fit and comfortable with my assigned task. Everyone was determined to ensure that participants had a fun and meaningful time. Also, there was a collective effort to make sure that all participants felt safe physically and emotionally throughout all aspects of the event. At the end, all participants were recognized with medals, tee shirts, and a really cool water bottle. On the day following the event, I got right to work on organizing a field trip for 12 kids in a special needs class that I work in. Our class all had an amazing time. Paddle4Good is such an empowering event for kids. I feel like they all grew a few inches on their respective confidence meters that day. My deepest gratitude to Max and crew for such a perfect day. Debbie SMFCSD
Paddle4Good is an amazing group. This was my first time at the event and I'm just amazed by the children and all the volunteers!! I thankful that I not only was able to volunteer, but was also able to sign my child up for the event. Seeing the smiles and awwww on the children's faces when they tried the water sports heart-warming. I'm so appreciative that my child was able to try all three water events and took to the stand-up paddling without any fear. Amanda was kind, compassionate, gentle, caring and loving to my child. Now my child is always asking when we are going to paddling!! And I'm amazed by the amount of volunteers - each child had a minimum on one-to-one aide support. Thank you Max and all the volunteers for making this happen for our kiddos!!! I look forward to volunteering more next year and my child is looking seeing you all and participate.
I was lucky enough to volunteer with this organization and it was such an awesome experience! They work so hard to make their events happen, and it was so rewarding to see how happy the event made the kiddos. They are organized, trustworthy, and truly just an amazing organization. They make such a difference!
This a great organization that really benefits the underprivileged in our community. It is professionally run and had excellent staff and programs
I have had the great pleasure of working with Paddle4Good in Monterey and Santa Cruz. (part of the bystander CPR). We were so positively received by the visitors! Al, Andi, Max, and Joy rocked!
I volunteered with Paddle4Good in their first event in 2018 and another event shortly after. Each event was a blast! I helped out with the standup paddling portion of the event as a safety guide that followed another person with a child on their board and I also switched off and had a child of my own on my board. It was awesome to be able to utilize my skills as an elite racer to introduce children with special needs to a sport that I love so much.
It was great to see kids returning from previous events and the connections that were formed by Paddle4Good with the child and their family. Volunteers knew the needs of the child and what they enjoyed and how to help them effectively so they would have a meaningful experience that day.
Introducing children with special needs to kayaking and standup paddling or just being on the water is an extraordinary thing to witness and Paddle4Good does an A+ job. It may be a child's first experience on a craft and being in the water. I noticed a sense of wonder, focus and calm in the children as we guided them around the little inlet of the San Francisco Bay. At what first was apprehension turned into smiles and laughter for many of the kids and some didn't even want to get off the board! Also, we even had some kids standup paddling on their own. It was exciting for all the volunteers to watch them figure out how to balance and use the paddle to propel themselves through the water.
We ended the day by honoring each child by lining up all the volunteers to create a tunnel with our arms. Each child's name was called and we would cheer or in some cases wave our hands in silence for each of them as they ran through the tunnel to receive their medal and goodie bag. That was when I saw the most smiles of the entire day.
-Kali`a
I volunteered with P4G at the May 2019 event at Shoreline lake, and I have to say, it was really fun! Max and the team gave out very detailed instructions, everyone was super friendly, and the organization was on point. We were given thorough instructions on how to interact with the kids and everyone was really accommodating. The whole experience was very enriching and it was a blast to see all the kids truly enjoying themselves. I highly recommend volunteering with the group and experiencing a wonderful time!
I've volunteered several times for Paddle4Good events and will continue to do so. It's a wonderful organization and the events are well-planned. The highlight for me is seeing the reaction of these special kids when they get on a paddle board or kayak. I've had a lifetime of water sports and can't imagine not being able to enjoy being in or on the water, it's great to see these kids experience that. Everybody I've met at these events has been extremely nice and positive, it's a glorious way to spend a day.
Volunteering with Paddle4Good was a great and enriching experience. I witnessed much laughter and many smiles! This organization is helping parents and children with special needs in a unique way, promoting play, interaction and paddle sports.
I recently volunteered to help as a paddle board instructor at P4G's last event, and I was blown away! I've volunteered with lots of non-profits in my free time, but this was a definite favorite. Max and the team were extremely friendly and instructive, I was very impressed with how well organized the event was and how detailed our instructions were. They went over best practices and tips on interacting with the various personality types of the kids. The best part though, was still the look on all of the kids faces. It was amazing to see how connected this organization was the to the community, and how the staff knew every returning attendee. The kids had a blast and so did the staff, a truly fun event. I can't wait to come back!
My son Daniel participated in the Mountain View Paddle4Good event and he had a wonderful time. The event was well organized and there were plenty of volunteers/buddies. Daniel's buddies were so great with him that I felt comfortable watching from afar. We will be doing this event again!!
I have two special need children. They both love water but had very minimum opportunities to try water sports due to their disability. Thank Paddle4Good and its amazing volunteers, my boys were able to enjoy Kayaking, paddling boats with high school volunteers who they really love to interact with. We really enjoyed the event every year and hope Paddle4Good can bring such opportunity to more families like us!
Max does a great job at keeping volunteers informed/updated on what is expected and provides training the day of the event.
I volunteer as a photographer for many other nonprofit organizations. This is one of my favorite ones to shoot for. You get a warm feeling when volunteering for Paddle4Good as you get to experience the joy/excitement first hand as the participants paddle out on the lake.
I am glad to have found Paddle4Good
Paddle 4 Good is a very well organized and safe event for children who would not normally participate in events like this. It is so rewarding to see these children excited to just be around the water let alone jump on a paddle board. Every part of the day was clearly explained and volunteers could take on as much or as little as they were comfortable with. Some volunteers checked in participants while others were in the water providing safety for the kayaks and paddle boards. I was partnered with a child and made sure she was comfortable participating in what she wanted to do and to make sure she was safe throughout the day. The smiles on everyone's faces at the end of the day says it all.
My daughter Eva was able to participate in paddle 4 good at the beginning of October. She had the best time. She enjoyed learning how to paddle board, kayak, and paddle boat. She had a wonderful mentor, and all of the volunteers were wonderful. She has been carrying her medal she got and showing it to everyone. She can’t wait to go next year and bring her sister.
Paddle4Good is an awesome organization. it feels like a family and we are all here to provide a great time for the children. All of the activities are well organized and everyone is safe and has fun. At the end of the day's activities, we cheered each kid who participated in a clapping tunnel and seeing the smiles on the kids' faces is so incredible. It’s a great org to volunteer with and help out.
Paddle4Good is one of my favorite programs to volunteer. Every single one of the staff has an interest in treating all kids equal and allowing them to have fun in the water. All of the activities are well organized and they do a great job at making sure everyone is safe and has fun. At the end of the day's activities, we cheered each kid who participated and seeing the smiles on the kids' faces was very special. There are so many great nonprofits out there - Paddle4Good is unique and helps raise awareness, tolerance, and appreciation for other's differences.
Amazing people doing pure good to special needs kids! My daughter had a wonderful time with paddle4good! Thank you for doing this amazing work
Outstanding organization providing water based activities for people with disabilities. The volunteers are beautiful people with kind hearts! It is touching to see them treat everyone with respect and with the attitude that shouts, "Different but equal." I am not a water person but my son thoroughly enjoys water. Given his disability and my inadequate water skills, he would not have any opportunity to explore many activities without Paddle4Good. When he is with the volunteers, I can relax and let him enjoy without getting stressed. Thanks Paddle4Good for all the goodness that you spread!
I volunteered for a weekend at the Shoreline Park event. What an amazing organization bringing excitement, thrill and joy to lots of kids. All safe of course but letting the kids experience something out of the ordinary. As a volunteer I loved seeing the joy in the kids as they participated. Super nice staff. I hope to volunteer again.
I volunteered one Saturday morning with Paddle4Good. I was amazed at how well organized and thoughtful the event was. The roles and expectations were communicated so clearly. It was so easy for so many diverse, unfamiliar people to jump in in a meaningful, coordinated way. That takes skill!!
It was so empowering for the participants to try something new and exciting in a safe environment. The awards ceremony at the end was so moving. Each child received an award and was celebrated.
I look forward to volunteering again.
I loved being part of this event. It was very organized, and rewarding. I got to be in the water and keep an eye on everyone, and help folks as needed. I am ready to this again :-)
Paddle4Good is an outstanding way for children, who would otherwise miss out on the wonderful experience of being out gliding on the water, to get out and have a real experience. The people who run this organization do a wonderful job and create a safe and fun environment. The opportunity to volunteer with them has been a life changing experience for me and I believe sometimes for the kids as well. Truly a great organization.
Paddle4Good is a dedicated and worthy organization. I have volunteered at several events and been moved by the smiles of joy on the faces of the participating kids and their parents.
Great local organization with 2 wonderful goals to provide training and awareness in lifesaving CPR techniques while providing fun water based activities to children and young adults with disabilities who might otherwise not get a chance to take part. The organizers have years of experience in providing these kind of activities and run wonderful events with the best volunteers . My son loves attending as often as he can!
Great organization and group of people! Paddle4Good is dedicated to empowering others. The Paddle Together events are very special. The community comes together to share the water and have a fun day for people of all abilities. Its a fantastic and memorable day for volunteers and participants alike. The award ceremony at the end is incredible! Everything sponsored by P4G has free CPR instruction because the founder is passionate that everyone learn how to save a life. And the SUP Film Festivals are so inspiring! This is a an organization with heart that includes and inspires all who come to their events.
