PADDLE FOR PEACE
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2026 GRAYTON BEACH
Join us for the 6th Annual Paddle for Peace!
It’s no secret that in today’s world, our mental health and peace is one of the biggest things that we need to give more attention to. By connecting people to the healing qualities of the water and our amazing community, we hope that paddling can be a healthy mental outlet for many and bring us all together for a good cause.
Funds raised from Paddle for Peace allow us to not only provide more paddle boards to get people out on the water, but also support those that may need additional layers of therapy by collaborating with local mental health & wellness specialists. Gulf Therapy’s goal is to provide a platform to help people both on and off the water. Your donation will help us connect people to a healthcare professional while continuing Gulf Therapy’s outreach in the community.
8:30 - 9:00 ARRIVE WITH YOUR BOARD & CHECK-IN AT BEACH
Parking can be tough in Grayton so if you are bringing your own board plan to drop off and come early so you have time to park at the Grayton Beach gravel lot across from Hurricane Oyster. The county tram will be available for transport to the beach. From the Grayton Dunes beach access on Garfield Street (off of Hotz Avenue), we will be east of the boardwalk bordering Western Lake. We will have coffee and mini pastries & muffins for participants. Perfect fuel for a day on the water.
9:00 OPENING CEREMONY
We will kick off the event with a social circle where we explain the mission of Gulf Therapy and connect with the community. Directly following there will be an optional sound healing.
9:30 OPTIONAL SOUND HEALING
For those who would like to begin the morning with a more intentional, grounding experience before heading out on the water there will be a beautiful sound healing offering by Swan Michelle and Light Honey Sound & Healing. If you haven't yet experienced the healing medicine of sound, you're in for something truly special. Paired with the gentle rhythm of the waves in the background, this immersive sound healing experience becomes even more magical. It's the perfect way to slow down, ground yourself, and ease into a beautiful day on the water.
9:30 INTENTIONAL PADDLE
Join us for an intentional morning paddle as we gather on the Gulf to connect with nature, ourselves, and one another. Together, we'll take a moment to release what we've been carrying, honor a loved one who has struggled with mental illness, or set an intention for the path ahead.
Bring your own paddleboard or reserve one in advance. We'll move across the water as a community, embracing the healing energy of the Gulf and the power of shared experience. If Gulf conditions aren't favorable, we'll paddle on the coastal dune lake instead. After our guided paddle, you're welcome to continue enjoying your board until 4:00 p.m.
10:00 - 4:00 LIVE MUSIC ON THE DOCK
After a nice morning on the water, come and relax at the point of Western Lake where we will have live music on the dock by Sarah Again, Stevie Monce with special guest Devin Hayes, Tanner Gray & Dion Jones! Enjoy local musicians playing in a relaxed atmosphere while you soak up some saltwater.
12:00 - LUNCH PROVIDED AT THE BEACH
We will have lunch at the beach provided for participants to recharge after the paddle. We will also have a cooler of water & some refreshments provided throughout the day.
REGISTRATION & RAFFLE
Pre-Registration is encouraged as boards will sell out fast! Registration the day of will also be an option but we cannot guarantee that there will still be boards available. We will have Paddle for Peace and Gulf Therapy merchandise for sale and also feature our raffle items electronically to raise more funds for the cause AND in person from 9-5 at HOTZ COFFEE. Big ticket items like a chance to win a paddle board, condo comp stay, wellness packages, gift certificates, paddle tours and more!
Online Raffle: https://gulftherapy.betterworld.org/
PARKING & SHUTTLE
Parking is tricky in Grayton so be sure to drop off your board early then park at the county lot by Hurricane Oyster Bar located at 1427 County Highway 283 S, Santa Rosa Beach. The Grayton Beach shuttles will start earlier for us this day and have all hands on deck. This lot is now paid parking, unfortunately, so if you are local, be sure to register your car with the county in advance for a reduced annual local rate. Otherwise, it is a more costly day rate. Once you arrive at Hotz Ave head down to the main beach access on Garfield Street and we will be setup just east of the boardwalk bordering Western Lake.
SPONSORS & VOLUNTEERS
If you are interested in being a sponsor for this event, contributing a raffle item or providing service through volunteering, please reach out to amanda@gulftherapy.org or 850.830.6273 or tk@adventure30a.com or 844-548-3302. We are so grateful for our generous sponsors and donors. You can truly make a difference in our community. We are a certified 501c3 and can offer tax free donation receipts upon request as well as sign off on community service hours.