May 14th, 5pm
Lido Theatre: 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663
BENDIDGO 11.0 Paddle Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Course: Avalon, Catalina Island to Newport Beach Pier
Craft: Prone paddleboards only
Join us for our annual Fundraising Paddle Kick-Off Event that celebrates the life of Ben Carlson and raises funds to support initiatives of the Ben Carlson Memorial and Scholarship Foundation.
Now in its 11th year, the BENDIDGO 11.0 event will take place on Saturday, September 19th. Watermen and Waterwomen will take on the 32 mile ocean prone paddle that brings together our community in this fun and challenging event. Thinking about joining us this year? Make sure you register for our Paddle Kick Off Event that will take place on Thursday, May 14, at Lido Theatre in Newport Beach. This event is a gathering of the BDG tribe, an event to celebrate the life of Ben Carlson, and to get fired up for the BDG11.0. It also provides an overview of expectations, rules, and other important information pertaining to the paddle. At the event, you’ll also be able to submit an Interest Form if you plan on participating.
Please note that submitting Interest Forms does NOT qualify you for the paddle; but it does get you on the list to be a part of the qualifying process.
There are paddle qualifications, fundraising requirements, and more that you must adhere to and accomplish before you are officially qualified.
Paddle Qualifying Events: (more information will be sent prior to each paddle qualifier) The following “qualifiers” will be held in Newport Beach while other official prone paddleboard races may count toward your qualification. Those events will be available on the website or by request.
- Saturday, June 20
- Wednesday, July 1
- Saturday, July 11
- Saturday, July 25
- Wednesday, August 5
- Saturday, August 15
- Wednesday, September 2nd
*Other races may be considered - Submit for approval to info@bencarlsonfoundation.org
We are looking forward to seeing you!
