Press release from Swim California:

As Catherine Breed arrives in Humboldt County during her historic 900-mile Swim California journey, she will pause to celebrate one of the region’s greatest strengths—its people and their unwavering commitment to protecting the California coast.

On Saturday from 4 to 5 p.m. at Woodley Island Marina, Catherine will join the local Surfrider Foundation chapter for a community gathering to learn about the swim and Surfrider Humboldt’s conservation efforts. 

Each stop along Swim California is an opportunity to shine a light on the organizations and individuals protecting California’s coastline. From restoring habitats and improving water quality to defending public beach access and preserving iconic surf breaks, Surfrider’s work reflects the very mission behind Swim California: inspiring Californians to connect with, appreciate, and protect the ocean that unites us all.

“One of the most inspiring parts of this journey has been meeting communities that truly live in partnership with the ocean,” said Catherine Breed. “Humboldt understands that a healthy coastline supports everything—from marine life and clean water to local businesses, recreation, and future generations. The people here don’t just enjoy the ocean—they fight for it. Surfrider has been on the front lines protecting our beaches, improving water quality, defending public access, and preserving the places that make California’s coast so extraordinary. I’m honored to stand beside them and celebrate the incredible work they’re doing every single day.”

“What Catherine is doing is incredible. That she’s bringing attention to the California coast, protected for the past 50 years by the California Coastal Act, is also extremely timely as we are seeing unprecedented assaults by the Trump Administration. Here in Humboldt, we’re determined to not let these longstanding protections and state-enshrined rights be undermined, but instead to keep our coast healthy, clean and accessible to all.” – Jessie Misha, Surfrider Humboldt chair.

Allez! Sports, the exclusive media partner for Swim California, is documenting conservation partners and local ocean stewards through a series of video stories, social media coverage, and the Zero Six Zero Tracker at 10 stops along Catherine Breed’s 900-mile journey. The storytelling reflects Swim California’s belief that connection comes before conservation—inspiring people to protect the coast by first connecting them to the communities fighting for it.