Ben Did Go
Who was Ben Carlson?
Ben Carlson was first and foremost a son, a brother, and a friend to many. He loved the ocean, was an accomplished waterman, and a big wave surfer. He was also a Newport Beach Lifeguard, and the only one to ever sacrifice his life in the line of duty since the organization was founded in 1923. You can read Ben’s story here.
What is The Ben Did Go?
Ben Carlson was a close friend of Spencer's. In July 2016 Spencer decided to honor Ben by doing The Ben Did Go 1.0. Spencer completed a 28-mile ocean-prone paddle from Newport Beach to Catalina, a 26.5-mile run around Catalina, and a 28-mile paddle from Catalina to Newport Beach. What started with just Spencer has grown into an annual community event, that raises money for the Ben Carlson Memorial and Scholarship Foundation (BCMSF) each year.
What is the Ben Carlson Memorial and Scholarship Foundation?
Each year the Ben Did Go paddle raises money for the BCMSF. The foundation exists to honor Ben’s legacy and support things that mattered to Ben; water safety, education, and supporting lifeguards worldwide.
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You can learn more about how BCMSF is partnering with other organizations to create resources that teach people about water safety.
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Each year, several $10,000 grants are awarded to a select group of applicants from a worldwide search, in honor of Ben Carlson’s legacy. You can learn more here.
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Spencer teams up with the foundation to bring buoys and fins to lifeguards at Puerto Escondido, Ben’s favorite big-wave spot, where he was a fixture in the water.
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2016 | The Ben Did Go 1.0
In July 2016 Spencer decided to honor Ben by doing The Ben Did Go 1.0. Spencer completed a 28-mile ocean-prone paddle from Newport Beach to Catalina, a 26.5-mile run around Catalina, and a 28-mile paddle from Catalina to Newport Beach. He raised $11,000 for the Ben Carlson Memorial and Scholarship Foundation(BCMSF).
Photo Credit: @spencestagramin
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2017 | The Ben Did Go 2.0
The next year, Spencer was joined by 12 other paddlers. Together they completed a 28-mile ocean-prone paddle from Newport Beach to Catalina, a 26.5-mile run around Catalina, and a 28-mile paddle from Catalina to Newport Beach. They raised over $25,000 for the BCMSF.
Photo Credit: @spencestagramin
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2019 | The Ben Did Go 4.0
This year the group added a woman to the ranks, and 32 paddlers raised over $60k to continue Ben’s legacy.
Photo Credit: @spencestagramin
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2020 | The Ben Did Go 5.0
During its 5th year, The Ben Did Go Paddle was sponsored by Kaenon, who shared the story of that year’s race, which you can watch here. 40 paddlers raised $40,000 to continue Ben’s legacy.
Photo Credit: @kaenon
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2021 | The Ben Did Go 6.0
Kaenon joined The Ben Did Go Paddle, and shared the story of that year’s race here. 47 paddlers raised over $80,000, continuing Ben’s legacy.
Photo Credit @spencestagramin
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2022 | The Ben Did Go 7.0
This was the largest team yet, with 73 paddlers, who together raised over $100,000 to continue Ben’s legacy.
Photo Credit Dory Deli
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2023 | Ben Did Go 8.0
Details to come.
Why is it called Ben Did Go?
Not many understand that lifeguards put their lives on the line every day to keep people safe. It’s not a job, it’s a calling. And when it mattered most, Ben followed the calling, making the ultimate sacrifice to save the life of another in the line of duty.
Ben did go.