Looking out onto the Hudson River last Friday morning (August 13), Hobokenites might have noticed what looked like a race with stand-up paddlers taking place. Well, it REALLY looked like dozens of people walking or floating across the water. When the hMAG team noticed this unusual sighting from the balcony of our new headquarters, we just HAD to research what exactly was going on and share it with you all.

With a little digging it became apparent that these paddlers were actually part of the fourth annual SEA Paddle NYC 2010, a six-hour, 28-mile fundraising event benefiting Autism and the Surfers’ Environmental Alliance. The largest effort to date, the event was comprised of a charity paddle/race (with top paddlers) around Manhattan starting at 8AM, Ultimate Beach Party at 3PM and White Water Evening Fundraiser at 6PM featuring “live music, auctions, celebrity appearances, awards” and catering by Harbour Lights Restaurant at the South Street Seaport in NYC.

The 2009 SEA Paddle reached $200,000 in donations and this year’s SEA Paddle reached its goal of raising $250,000 (the most to date!) by 11AM on Friday. SEA, or the Surfers’ Environmental Alliance, is a non-profit organization that works to preserve the environment and “environmental integrity of the sport of surfing”. The 2010 SEA Paddle , comprised of 150+ people, received donations and sponsorships to go toward (and bring awareness to) SEA, Surfers Healing, Autism Speaks, Autism Family Services, Autism New Jersey, Best Day Foundation, Beautiful Son Foundation, Believe in Me School and Parents of Autistic Children (POAC).

The Surfers’ Environmental Alliance plan these all-day events and funds through “grassroots activism, community involvement and education and humanitarian efforts” to preserve the marine environment and raise awareness for various charities. Although the SEA Paddle has passed this year, there’s still time for you to walk on water in your own way & donate money to SEA or the 2010 beneficiaries.